The Petra Royal Tombs is a series of architectural wonders from Petra, an ancient city in southern Jordan. The city of Petra itself is a marvel with its treasury and the narrow valley that serves as a main gateway to the city. The Royal Tombs constitute a collection of 40 tombs including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Obelisk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Renaissance Tomb. The main purpose of the Tombstone still needs to be clarified and is believed to be the final resting place of Nabataean rulers and high-ranking individuals. The tombs have gained a spot as a World Heritage site of UNESCO, which resulted in the international fame of the place.
The rich history, beautiful architecture, and mysterious surroundings of the tombs tell tales from the past, making the visitors wonder with visual beauty.
The royal tomb is not only a location of burial. What makes it captivating is the carefully carved-out designs on the rocks. It is believed to have been built by the Nabataeans, an ancient group of Arabs. They lived in the northern parts of the Arabian Peninsula and the southern Levant. These architectural marvels look like a blend of Nabataean style and Greek design. One of the most beautiful works in the series is the Urn Tomb, distinguished by the large urn on top. The nearly 70-year-old construction reveals a two-story substructure featuring arched vaults and a spacious colonnaded courtyard, offering breathtaking views of Petra. Next to the Urn Tomb is the Silk Tomb, named after its colorful sandstone. Then, there’s the Corinthian Tomb, with a round shape and fancy tops with flowery designs. Each of the tombs depicts the story of different cultures and displays how a civilization thrived in the rocky landscape.
Petra peaked under the rule of the Nabataean dynasty during the early fourth century. The city acted as a center of trade and commerce for travelers from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean Sea. The profit from the trade led to the economic growth of the dynasty and made them empowered to spend the wealth on the building of the city. The major rebuilding of the city and the creation of the Royal Tombs are believed to have been done during this period of richness. The prosperity of the dynasty is reflected in the impressive stone cuts, in the famous royal tombs.
Over the passage of centuries, the tombs at Petra have passed through numerous transformations. There were instances of looting happened at the tombs. The Tombs were also repurposed for various uses like residential spaces, shelters for animals, and garages. A fascinating example is the ‘Urn Tomb,’ which, in the 4th century AD, underwent a fantastic conversion into a church
As time went on, the trade route shifted and Petra lost their hold in the trading. This caused a decrease in the number of coming foreigners and resulted in the economic breakdown of the Dynasty. The economic downfall of the dynasty led to the recession and resulted in people leaving for other cities for trading and the abandonment of the city. When Petra was completely abandoned, the population diminished, economic activity declined, and there was a lack of resources and people dedicated to maintaining the royal tombs. This was a starting point for the fading of royal tombs.
The Environmental conditions also acted as a catalyst for the breakdown of the Architectural wonders. Petra, nestled among rocky mountains and desert land, faced tough challenges from the changing environment. The earthquakes and natural weathering resulted in the gradual decline of the structural integrity of the buildings. The magnificent faces that once adorned the royal tombs have faded over time. The desert wind resulted in the fading of the intricate details. The grandeur of the Royal Tombs, now partially worn away, serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of human achievements.
Despite the challenges of time and weather, the Petra Royal Tombs still attract visitors with their remaining grandeur and intricate details. Preservation efforts by organizations such as the International Al Khubthah Tomb Project ( IKTP) play an important role in the documentation and protection of this historical treasure. The IKTP has revealed the looting happened in some tombs, emphasizing the need for ongoing preservation initiatives. The recognition of Petra as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has brought international attention to the issue.
The Kingdom of Jordan acknowledges the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the country and agencies like the Department of Antiquities are actively involved in archaeology. Partnerships with local and international organizations such as the North East Petra Project (NEPP), contribute expertise and resources to ensure the Royal Tomb survives for future generations. As technology advances, new ways may emerge to address the conservation challenges, ensuring that Petra continues to attract visitors for the coming centuries.
References
- “Petra: Behind the monumental façades – World Archaeology.” Current World Archaeology, 25 January 2013, https://www.world-archaeology.com/features/petra-behind-the-monumental-facades/. Accessed 24 December 2023.
- “Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1319/. Accessed 24 December 2023.
- “Royal Tombs, Petra. Art Destination Jordan.” Universes in Universe, https://universes.art/en/art-destinations/jordan/petra/royal-tombs. Accessed 24 December 2023.
- “Royal Tombs Petra | Urn Tomb | Petra Tombs | Petra Royal Tombs.” Memphis Tours, https://www.memphistours.com/Jordan/Jordan-Travel-Guide/Petra-Attractions/wiki/Royal-Tombs. Accessed 24 December 2023.
Images Links
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_of_the_Royal_Tombs,_from_left_to_right_the_Palace_Tomb_with_three_distinct_stories;_the_Corinthian_Tomb_and_the_Silk_Tomb,_Petra,_Jordan_(27507831619).jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Urn_Tomb,_Petra_01.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petra_Urn_Tomb_1987.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petra_Corinthian_Tomb_1995.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jordan_2021_P243_Petra_Silk_Tomb.jpg
