National Geographic Site Links
Advertisement
Subscribe to National Geographic
Subscribe Now! Get National Geographic Magazine for only $15
National Geographic Navigation
Advertisement(s)
Advertisement
Petra 360º
- The Petra Treasury
- Shrine of Aaron
- High Place of Sacrifice
- Treasury by Candlelight
- Lion Triclinium
- Inside the Treasury
- View in Microsoft HD
- Use your mouse or the controls above to explore the photo. PC users: Click "View in HD" for a more vivid experience. Photograph by Corey Jaskolski
The Treasury
Evoking the ancient mysteries of Petra, candlelight illuminates the Treasury's dusty-pink facade and intricate carvings that have survived for 2,000 years. Three times a week, the pathway between the Siq, the slender canyon that protected the city from invaders, and the Treasury, known in Arabic as Al Khazneh, glow with 1,800 candles as Bedouin musicians play for tourists. Although archaeologists are uncovering more of the ancient city buried under centuries of windblown sand, many secrets of the Nabataeans remain cloaked in darkness. Where these prosperous desert nomads came from and why they decided to create a permanent settlement at Petra remains unknown.
Special thanks to the Petra National Trust and the Petra Archaeological Park for their assistance on this project.
Related Features
Photo Gallery: Petra
The preservation of this World Heritage Site in Jordan is being put at risk as more and more tourists flock to this ancient city of stone.
World's New Wonders
The votes are in! Check out a new list of the world's seven greatest man-made wonders.
Video: Secret Treasure of Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, over 20,000 pieces of ancient gold jewelry and artifacts were discovered in 1979. Mysterious "keyholders" pledged their lives to hide the treasure from plunderers. Did they succeed?
Advertisement
Special Advertising Section
PHOTO CONTEST
We received over 12,000 entries, and over 28,000 votes were cast. Find out who takes home the Grand Prize!
TAKE QUIZ
Eighteen percent of the world's population can't get safe drinking water. Test your water knowledge.
Mysteries of the Ancient World
 |
