At the end of the Kings' Highway, a big archaeological prodigy is awaiting you to explore. Petra, or "Rose Red City", is the famous attraction in Jordan. It is an attraction that one cannot leave the country without visiting. Literally carved out of craggy rocks and hidden behind massive rocks, Petra was only rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer, Burkhart. Petra is the legacy of the pre-Islamic Arabs known as the Nabateans. In south Jordan, Petra was their capital but their kingdom extended from north of Damascus to northwest Arabia, south Palestine and the Sinai Peninsula. From this hidden post, they dominated the trade routes of ancient Arabia, levying tolls and sheltering caravans. Petra was widely respected for its refined culture, massive rock and stone architecture, and water-channel system. Much of Petra's appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge or siq that one can pass on foot. The close observer will even discover inscriptions carved into the stone. You will be astonished standing suddenly in front of the Treasury at the end of the siq and this is just the beginning. The hundreds of buildings, temples, baths and facades constructed by the Nabateans and the Romans can keep you for days in Petra. 

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