I get it now. Yes, I had seen pictures of the Treasury and thought that’s pretty cool but I had no idea what lead up to the Treasury was just as spectacular. For those of you who don’t know what I am talking about, check this out.

The Nabataeans, an Arab tribe, first appeared in the sixth century BC in the desert located to the east of Jordan, and came from the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula. They settled first in Petra. For centuries they were a major stop on the caravan route from Greece to Southeast Asia. They remained relatively independent when other tribes were warring in Jordan, probably because of their isolation. They mostly co-existed with the Romans until the Romans claimed Petra and redesigned it according to their architectural designs. At it’s peak 25,000 people lived in Petra. In the 4th century the Nabataeans left Petra and no one is sure of the reason why. After an earthquake in 354 AD Petra was destroyed and was abandoned. It was rediscovered 1812 by a Swiss explorer and excavations began.

Petra is referred to as the Lost City and is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Most people know it because it was featured in an Indiana Jones movie. Petra also has a biblical link. It is located in Wadi Musa (Moses Valley). The legend goes that Moses struck the rock that formed Petra causing water to spew out of the rock forming the water system in Petra. It made the area an oasis rather than the desert it is today.

The Treasury has nothing to do with money, gold or treasures. It was a mausoleum.

After 20,000 steps over rough terrain and rocks, I was never so happy that our hotel was right across the street from Petra. I was so tired I did even stop to shop on the way out!