This way to The Siq. In Arabic, Siq means canyon, or more accurately, gorge, implying narrowness.

Ever since I left Petra yesterday, and all day today, I’ve been scratching my head wondering how I was going to right about Petra. It seems to me to be a complex place with a unique place in history. It is at once, an ancient trade center, an archeological tomb center, and a long history of the people who lived and came here literally “written in the rocks”. And if that wasn’t enough, from a natural beauty viewpoint, it was extremely reminiscent for me of some of the areas I’ve camped and hiked in Utah.

Petra may have had permanent inhabitants as early as 9000 BC. It lies along the route that came to be known as The Kings Highway. The road connected the four kingdoms as a commerce route and pilgrimage road to Mecca. Aside from it being the busiest trade center of its time, it was unique in its access. It was a city with only one way to get in and out, though The Siq.

As you work your way down into Petra the gorge gradually becomes more and more narrow. It is likely that over the centuries many people died in this area from flash flooding. The ancient Nabataeans dug a two thousand meter tunnel, (seen below right), near the entrance to the gorge to divert water during rains.

It gets to its narrowest point right before you burst into a large plaza area dominated by what is known as the Treasury Facade. It’s not really a treasury but a tomb.

It became an archeological tomb center because the sandstone in the area was relatively easy to cut chambers into, and to decorate with carvings and great stone facades. The wide variety of tribes and cultures who were drawn to this area is evidenced in the varied designs and styles of the stone carvings and facades. Nabataean, Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Byzentine are all on display.

Not all tombs were regal. Some were just simple burial chambers carved into the rock in groups. Kinda like condos for corpses. (Yikes did he just write that?) Those of you who have followed me for awhile know I’m not without my irreverences. 🙂

As the area opened up near the city of Petra, an amphitheater was built into the rock. You can see what remains in the right side of this picture.

And in this one on the right.

Petra is like no other place I’ve ever been, Utah notwithstanding. I’ve just made a few historical comments for context. If you’re interested you can certainly go on line and see a lot more photos and learn much more about it’s history, and the variety of cultures that impacted this unique area.

And of course you can do all of that and then go yourself. It is something to behold and a great hike in and out.

With the exception of a couple of minor mis-steps, one of which turned out to be kinda funny really, our group is doing well and enjoying the ride.

And of course, I am well and hope you all are too. 🙂