Treasury Petra Jordan: Travel, Facts, History, Architecture

The Dramatic Entrance to Petra’s Capital

The Nabataeans meticulously designed the entrance to their capital from the east to be a grand and imposing experience, far more awe-inspiring than what is seen today. This elaborate approach was meant to impress and overwhelm visitors with the city’s grandeur and the advanced engineering skills of the Nabataeans. As one approaches the city, the dramatic landscape and the carefully constructed paths create a sense of anticipation and reverence.

The combination of natural and human-made features worked in harmony to highlight the power and sophistication of the Nabataean kingdom, showcasing their ability to transform the rugged terrain into a majestic gateway to their capital.

Origin and Construction

Possible Alexandrian Influence: There is speculation that Petra’s iconic structure, the Treasury, may have been created by Alexandrian stonemasons and sculptors. Estimates suggest that the construction might have taken approximately three years. Like many other rock facades in Petra, it was adorned with a light layer of stucco and painted in vibrant colors, adding to its grandeur and allure.

Local Legend and Name

“Khazneh al-Fira’un”: Locally known as “Khazneh al-Fira’un” or Pharaoh’s Treasury, the Treasury’s Arabic name stems from Bedouin folklore, which suggests that an Egyptian pharaoh concealed a treasure within the urn atop the structure. This belief led Bedouins to fire at the stone urn, hoping to uncover gold and precious stones.

Historical Alterations and Preservation

Iconoclasm and Natural Hazards: As early as the second half of the first century AD, the figurative ornamentation on the Treasury was defaced by iconoclasts. Additionally, numerous flash floods throughout the centuries inundated the forecourt with debris. Despite these challenges, the Treasury remained relatively well-preserved compared to other facades in Petra, owing to its deep location within the rock and protection from wind and rain.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Isis Cult: The primary figure adorning the facade is identified as Isis, symbolized by the bazillion (Isis emblem) on the top acroterion of the pediment. The Nabataeans adopted the worship of Isis from Egypt, where the goddess had been revered since the third millennium BC. The cult of Isis gained popularity in Petra by the first century BC, as evidenced by inscriptions and depictions on coins from the time of King Aretas IV.

Artistic Representation

Portraiture and Symbolism: Depictions of the ruling couple on coins from the reign of King Aretas IV show both his first wife, Huldu, and his second wife, Shaqilath, adorned in the Ptolemaic style with a stylized Isis crown, further emphasizing the influence and significance of the Isis cult in Petra’s cultural landscape. The Treasury’s intricate symbolism and artistic representation reflect the rich tapestry of Nabataean religious and cultural influences.

The Forecourt and Its Features

The forecourt of the Treasury lay about six meters lower than the current level and was once paved, hinting at a grander, more elaborate entrance in the past. It is believed that the area might have included a pond, adding to the site’s splendor and perhaps serving both aesthetic and practical purposes. An impressive open staircase, measuring approximately 13 meters in length and over 5 meters in width, led up to a terrace in front of the portico.

This staircase, constructed over older graves, provided a ceremonial approach to the Treasury, emphasizing its importance. The architectural features of the forecourt would have made the initial approach to the Treasury a visually stunning and spiritually significant experience, reinforcing the site’s role as a central and sacred place in Nabataean culture.

Architectural Influence and Adaptation

Petra’s Development Vision: The Treasury Petra was erected during the initial phase of Petra’s development, intended to showcase the grandeur of the Nabataean Kingdom. Influenced by the architectural and artistic styles of Mediterranean metropolises, the Nabataeans adapted these models to suit their own needs and aspirations.

Adaptation of Mediterranean Styles: The Nabataeans drew inspiration from Mediterranean architecture, particularly the Ptolemaic palace structures of Alexandria. Elements such as the tholos (a round temple) within a broken pediment demonstrate this influence, showcasing a fusion of Nabataean interpretation with Mediterranean motifs.

Analogies with Mediterranean Architecture: Direct analogies with Alexandrian models can be observed in the architectural details of the Treasury Petra, including elements found in the Palazzo Delle Colonne in Ptolemaïs. The design of pediments and other decorative elements reflects the Nabataeans’ engagement with Mediterranean architectural aesthetics.

Influence on Petra’s Architectural Landscape

Model for Petra’s Facades: The Treasury Petra, with its rich ornamentation and distinctive features, served as a model for other classical-complex facades in Petra. Structures such as the Corinthian Tomb and Ad Deir (the Monastery) exhibit simplified adaptations of the architectural elements seen in the Treasury Petra.

Petra: A Spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sensational Setting: Nestled amidst dramatic mountainous terrain in southern Jordan, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its monumental rock-carved architecture. The city’s awe-inspiring beauty serves as a testament to ancient craftsmanship and engineering ingenuity.

Must-Visit Destination: The Treasury Petra, often described as a must-visit destination, captivates visitors with its intricate carvings and historical significance. Its status as Jordan’s most celebrated attraction underscores its cultural and touristic importance.

Rediscovery Anniversary: The 200th anniversary of Petra’s rediscovery on August 22nd, 2012, commemorates Johann Ludwig Burckhardt’s transformative encounter with this ancient marvel. This milestone offers an ideal opportunity for visitors to follow in Burckhardt’s footsteps and experience the wonder of Petra firsthand.

Facade Splendor: The facade of the Treasury Petra, adorned with elaborate floral and figurative elements, serves as a testament to the Nabataeans’ architectural prowess and cultural sophistication. Its clear references to Ptolemaic palace architecture highlight the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations across the Mediterranean region.

The Construction of the Magnificent Mausoleum

The rock-cut mausoleum, known as Al-Khazneh, stands an impressive 25 meters wide and 39 meters high, reflecting the architectural prowess of the Nabataeans. It is believed to have been built during the latter half of King Aretas IV’s reign, which spanned from 9 BC to 40 AD. Despite its grandeur, it remains unclear for whom this magnificent structure was intended.

The Treasury’s elaborate facade and detailed carvings indicate its significant role, possibly as a royal tomb or a temple. The presence of burnt incense traces on the plaza suggests that Al-Khazneh was an essential pilgrimage site, attracting worshippers who came to offer their respects and seek blessings. This historical enigma adds to the mystique of the Treasury, inviting speculation and fascination from historians and visitors alike.

The Siq Path to the Treasury

Entrance to Petra: Visitors to Petra are greeted by the Siq, a narrow winding gorge stretching approximately one kilometer through the cliffs, leading to the entrance of the ancient city.

Iconic Facade: Emerging from the Siq, visitors are met with a breathtaking sight: the towering, intricately carved facade of the Treasury, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Middle East.

Construction of the Treasury

Rock-Cut Architecture: The Treasury, locally known as Al-Khazneh, was meticulously carved into the cliffside by Nabatean craftsmen. The construction process involved precise planning and intricate craftsmanship.

Techniques Used: Carvers began work from the top of the cliff, gradually chiseling away at the structure, decorations, and interiors stage by stage. Vertical slots on the facade served as climbing notches and support for scaffolding.

Interior Design: The interior of the Treasury was also meticulously crafted, with chambers and passages hollowed out from the ceiling downwards. Crushed rock and sand were used to prepare the forecourt before paving.

Construction Timeline: It is estimated that the Treasury Petra was built over about three years, showcasing the remarkable architectural prowess of the Nabateans. How AI, ChatGPT maximizes earnings of many people in minutes

Exploration of Petra

Exploring the Site: The Treasury is just the beginning of the wonders awaiting visitors in Petra. A day spent exploring the site can include visits to tombs, the theater, temples, obelisks, and the ancient colonnaded streets, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of this ancient city.

The Rise and Decline of Petra

Petra, now well over 2,000 years old, once thrived as a wealthy city due to its control over vital trade routes that passed through the region. The Nabataeans’ strategic location allowed them to dominate the trade of goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals, contributing to their prosperity. However, the city’s fortunes changed dramatically following a devastating earthquake in the 4th century AD, which caused significant structural damage and disrupted the trade networks.

Additionally, the emergence of new trade routes diminished Petra’s importance as a commercial hub. Over time, these factors led to the city’s decline, and it was eventually abandoned. Today, Petra stands as a testament to the Nabataean civilization’s ingenuity and resilience, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its ancient splendor and to ponder its historical mysteries.