Petra is the ancient archaeological city in Jordan famous for buildings carved into rose-red sandstone. The Nabataeans established it as their capital and developed it into a major regional trading centre.
Petra prospered because it stood near routes linking Arabia, the Levant, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world. Its inhabitants managed scarce water through channels, cisterns, and dams, allowing a substantial settlement to flourish in a dry environment.
The most widely recognized monument is Al-Khazneh, often called the Treasury. Despite its name, it was probably a monumental tomb rather than a storehouse of treasure. Other important features include the Siq, the Monastery, and extensive rock-cut tombs.
Petra was rediscovered by Western audiences in the modern era after Johann Ludwig Burckhardt visited in 1812. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1985.