The Treasury

One of the most remarkable places Marty and I have visited was Petra. Hidden within the rose-colored cliffs of southern Jordan, Petra is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world.

Built more than ten thousand years ago by the Nabataeans, Petra was once a thriving desert city and an important trading center connecting Arabia, Egypt and the Mediterranean world. Caravans carrying spices, silk and precious goods passed through this remote canyon city, bringing wealth and influence to the Nabataean kingdom.

We reached the city by walking through a narrow winding canyon called the Siq. The towering sandstone walls rise on either side, creating a dramatic approach that builds anticipation with each step. Then, suddenly, the canyon opens and the most famous structure of Petra comes into view.

Here we are standing before Al-Khaznah (The Treasury). This magnificent building is carved directly into the face of the rock. Its towering facade is decorated with elegant columns, pediments and intricate carvings. The columns rise several stories high, giving us the sense of grandeur.

This structure was likely built as a royal tomb during the first century. Its classical designs reflect the Nabataeans’ connections with the wider Mediterranean world, blending Greek and Roman architectural influences with their own remarkable rock carving craftsmanship.

Standing in front of the Treasury, it is difficult to grasp how such a structure could have been created so long ago. The entire facade was carved from solid stone, shaping the mountain itself into architecture. The rose-red sandstone shifts in color throughout the day, glowing in the sunlight and gives Petra its description as the “rose-red city”.

Petra was rediscovered for the Western world in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Today it is recognized as one of the great wonders of the ancient world and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For Marty and I, visiting Petra was one of those travel moments that stayed with us forever. It is a reminder of the ingenuity of ancient civilizations and the incredible places that exist in our world.