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Petra 360º

  • Use your mouse or the controls above to explore the photo. PC users: Click "View in HD" for a more vivid experience. Photograph by Ann Jaskolski
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Shrine of Aaron

A white dome crowns the 13th-century Shrine of Aaron atop Jebel Haroun—the highest point in Petra. An Egyptian sultan had the monument built to commemorate the death of Aaron, Moses' elder brother, who, according to tradition, died on this spot. Other religious buildings have stood on the peak since the Byzantine era, and local legend holds that ten-year-old Mohammed visited the shrine with his uncle. For many years, Bedouins fiercely guarded the site from non-Muslims, but today, Jews, Christians, and Muslims make the long pilgrimage up the rugged mountain to honor Aaron, a prophet in all three religions.

Special thanks to the Petra National Trust and the Petra Archaeological Park for their assistance on this project.

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