PETRA in deep

29/04/08
- Al-Siq -
Al-Siq is 1207m long and 3 to 16m wide. It is a natural gorge of spectacular geological formation, which the Nabataeans widened in parts by carving out the rock. Paved in 1st century BC, the siq served as the Nabataeans religious processional passageway into Petra. Ancient remains in situ at the entrance signify that there once stood a monumental arch. Excavations have uncovered relief sculptures of a camel caravan and numerous niches with baetyls carved in relief and sculpted monolithic stones dedicated to Nabataeans gods, in particular al-Uzza, the goddess of fertility. The Nabataeans and Romans sustained their sophisticated civilisation through skilful water management that included advanced hydraulic systems to control the flow of water. On either side of the Siq are water channels with basins. The southern channel is hollowed out of the rock and was originally covered by sandstone and limestone slabs to prevent evaporation and contamination. The northern channel was made interlocking terracotta pipes, parts of which can still be seen in situ.

- Al-Khazna -
(Pharaoh's Treasury)
It is the most perfect façade in Petra. It is situated at the end of the Siq, with a height of 39.5m. The lower level is decorated with 6 Corinthian capitals that are spanned by a frieze of griffins and vases among scrolls. A vegetation goddess is carved in the central tympanum. The upper order consists of a central kiosk decorated with the relief of Isis and flanked by dancing Amazons and Victories. The kiosk is crowned by a capital supporting a funerary urn that was supposed to conceal Pharaoh's treasures according to local tradition. Although the original function is still a mystery, the Khazna is believed by many Archaeologists to be the mausoleum of King Aretas IV (9BC-AD40). Recently, three Nabataeans tombs were uncovered below the Khazna. They belong to the end of the first century BC. The original ground floor is under the present floor.

- Al-Dayr -
It is one the largest monuments in Petra, measuring 47m wide by 48,3m high. It was built on the model of Khazna but here the bas-reliefs are replaced by niches to house sculptures. A columned portico extends in front of the facade. The interior is occupied by two side benches and an altar against the rear wall. It was used as a biclinium for the meetings of religious associations, and dates to the early 2nd century AD, during the reign of King Rabel II. In the Byzantine period, the hall was reused as a Christian chapel and crosses were carved in the rear wall, thus the name "Monastery" (Dayr in Arabic).

- The Lion Biclinium -
It is located on the way to al-Dayr, and is so-called because of 2 lions carved on both sides of the entrance. The facade is decorated with a frieze of triglyphs and metopes, with the head of Medusa at each end. There are 2 benches inside and a baetyl in a niche is carved to the left of the doorway.





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