Uncovering the Majestic "Lost City" of Petra and Its Biblical Connections

The ancient city of Petra, beautifully carved out of pink sandstone cliffs, is one of the most captivating archaeological sites in the world. This marvel of ancient engineering was lost to the Western world for hundreds of years before being dramatically rediscovered in 1812. Petra has captured the imagination of historians and Bible scholars alike. But what was its original biblical name and significance? Here‘s a deep dive into Petra‘s history and potential biblical ties.

Sela – The Stone Stronghold of Edom

Petra is believed to be the "Sela" referenced multiple times in the Old Testament – a fortified city carved into stone cliffs located in the land called Edom.

The name Sela literally means "rock" in Hebrew, an apt description of Petra‘s defining feature. The Old Testament describes Sela being captured by Amaziah, king of Judah, in 2 Kings 14:7:

“He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took Sela by storm, and he called the name of it Joktheel, which is its name to this day.”

Edom was the region settled by the Edomites, the descendants of Esau located southeast of Israel. The descriptions of Sela being an Edomite stronghold dug into rocks matches the Nabatean city of Petra.

The Mysterious Nabateans: Builders of Petra

So who exactly were the master engineers who built Petra? They were the Nabateans, a mysterious Arab tribe who carved Petra out of sandstone cliffs beginning around the 4th century BCE.

Origins

There are competing theories about Nabatean origins, but most scholars agree they were originally nomadic Arabs from the arid Syro-Arabian deserts. They spoke early forms of Arabic and Aramaic. As they became more prosperous through trade, they began settling in cities like Petra.

Ingenious Hydraulic Engineering

Lack of water was a constant challenge in the arid desert climate surrounding Petra. Early on, the Nabateans demonstrated their skill as hydro-engineers by building an extensive system of dams, cisterns, and aqueducts to control water access. With reliable water sources secured, their civilization was able to thrive.

Nabatean Religion

The Nabateans worshipped many gods and goddesses, with Dushara as the primary male deity. Dushara was associated with the mountains and stone cliffs where Petra was built. Major female deities included al-‘Uzzá, Manāt, and Allāt. The Nabateans synthesised influences from indigenous Arabian, Mesopotamian, and Hellenistic religions.

Incredible Architecture

At its peak in the 1st century BC to 2nd century AD, Petra was the opulent capital of the Nabatean kingdom. As a hub for valuable frankincense and spice trade routes, they had the wealth to invest in engineering their desert stronghold. The Nabateans carved over 800 monumental tombs, temples, storerooms, baths, gateways, and colonnaded streets out of the colorful sandstone cliffs surrounding Petra.

No building exemplifies the grandeur of Petra more than Al Khazneh, the iconic temple known as the Treasury, which stands 140 feet tall!

Petra: A Bustling Trade Center

Located between the Red Sea and Dead Sea, Petra controlled vital trade routes linking Arabia, the Mediterranean, and the Far East. Caravans loaded with frankincense, myrrh, spices, silk, perfumes, precious gems, and other luxury goods passed through the gates of Petra. The Nabateans commanded the trade routes from Petra, establishing caravan outposts and commodities exchanges throughout the Negev and Sinai deserts.

Petra‘s strategic location, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit of the Nabateans, helped make it one of the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities in the ancient Near East. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of goods from as far away as China and the spices of India in Petra, demonstrating its vast trade network reaching across the ancient world.

Major Trade Goods Through Petra:

• Frankincense and myrrh
• Spices: pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
• Gems and precious stones
• Perfumes and fragrances
• Silk and textiles
• Mediterranean wines

Monumental Ruins Carved From the Rock

The most unique aspect of Petra is its spectacular setting and architecture. The Nabateans carved almost all buildings out of the plentiful multicolored sandstone cliffs surrounding the city. The buildings are an eclectic blend of Hellenistic, Egyptian, Assyrian, and native Arabian architectural styles.

Here are some of the most stunning ruins at Petra today:

The Treasury (Al Khazneh)

The most iconic structure at Petra, this temple stands 140 feet high with an intricate Hellenistic facade carved out of a massive sandstone cliff wall. Its original purpose is unknown, but legend says it held great treasures.

The Monastery (Ad Deir)

This immense temple was built to honor the Nabatean King Obodas I who was deified after his death. It measures 150 feet wide by 180 feet high – Petra‘s largest monument.

The Great Temple

Dedicated to the primary Nabatean god Dushara, this monumental temple once featured over 45 marble columns and decorative friezes. It served as a major religious center.

The Royal Tombs

Elaborately carved into sandstone cliffs are tombs for Petra’s kings and nobles, including the imposing Urn Tomb and Palace Tomb. The tombs‘ extravagant exteriors signified the wealth and power of Petra.

Roman Amphitheater

The Romans expanded this theater carved into Petra‘s hills to hold over 8,000 people. It hosted performances and spectacles for Petra‘s citizens.

The soaring Monastery, Petra‘s largest monument. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Decline After Roman Annexation

The kingdom of Nabatea voluntarily became part of the Roman Empire in 106 AD during the reign of Emperor Trajan. Petra initially continued to thrive as the capital of the new Roman province Arabia Petraea.

However, the Romans eventually started favoring sea trade routes over traditional caravan routes. This, coupled with successive earthquakes in 363 AD and 551 AD, led to Petra‘s gradual decline over the centuries. The splendor of “the rose-red city half as old as time” faded from memory in the Western world.

Possible Site of Exodus Wilderness Wanderings

According to biblical accounts, after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. Some scholars propose that the Petra area may have been part of the route traveled by the Israelites.

The Petra region could have provided vital water and abundant pastures for the multitudes of people and livestock said to be traveling with Moses. Places like the Valley of Moses with its network of springs match biblical descriptions. The durability of sandstone would make it feasible for the Nabateans to carve settlements out of cliffs centuries later.

While not all scholars agree, the geography around Petra generally fits the setting described in the biblical exodus story.

Forgotten Until Rediscovery in 1812

Due to its remote desert location, Petra became a forgotten city in the West after the medieval Crusaders built a fort there in the 12th century. Local Bedouin tribes knew of Petra‘s existence, but its ancient ruins remained unknown to Europe and America for centuries.

That changed in 1812 when a bold Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt disguised himself as an Arab pilgrim and infiltrated the region. He convinced a local guide to take him to the ruins of Petra hidden deep within the winding gorge. Burckhardt‘s diaries describing the marvelous buildings carved into multicolored cliffs put Petra back on the map!

Petra has captured the imagination of visitors since its rediscovery over 200 years ago. In 1985, UNESCO justly designated it as a World Heritage Site to be protected for future generations.

Conclusion: The Majestic "Rose City" of Petra

Built between 400 BC and 100 AD, the ancient desert city of Petra stands as an extraordinary creation of the little-known Nabatean civilization. With ingenious hydraulic engineering and architectural skills, they carved a bustling trade center and magnificent buildings out of sandstone cliff walls.

The soaring monuments and ingenious hydraulic systems are a testament to what a prosperous pre-Roman Arabian kingdom could achieve through strategic location, technological innovation, and active global trade networks.

Petra‘s biblical name was likely Sela, referenced in the Old Testament‘s descriptions of the Edomite stronghold. The Petra region also matches some geographic descriptions of the exodus wanderings.

The ancient city declined after the Romans took over but remained largely forgotten until being dramatically rediscovered in 1812. Today it is one of the world‘s greatest archaeological wonders. The enduring majesty of Petra amply earns it the nickname “The Lost City.”