THE HISTORY OF PETRA

The extensive history of Petra begins with the Edomites, who were the original inhabitants of the valley where Petra lies. It is a biblical landmark second only to Israel, and was one of the earliest known settlements in the Middle East. Petra was built by a formerly nomadic Arabic people called Nabataeans who settled and carved the impressive buildings and features that still stand today. Petra was at its peak, economically, around the time of Christ. It's main exports were frankincense and myrrh which were brought in and out through the pathway carved out of the mountain. This pathway was at times only as wide as five meters, which only allowed for two camels to walk through side by side, which made Petra easy to defend. They also required travelers who passed through to pay a fee in order to travel safely. 

     The decline of Petra began due to other societies realizing the potential in Petra. Many societies saw Petra as a growing power concern, so the Nabataeans made an alliance with Parthians. When the Parthians were defeated by Rome, the Nabataeans were made to pay tribute to Rome. When they fell behind on the payments, Rome invaded twice more causing them to lose the trade routes to Syria. Once Rome invaded Petra, the loss of the trade route was never recovered and prosperity was lost to Petra. The last leader of the Nabataeans, Rabbel II, made a deal with Roman leaders that Petra would not be invaded again during his lifetime, however after he passed away they could take over in 106 C.E. An earthquake hit Petra in 363 C.E. that toppled half of the city, prompting a mass exodus from Petra. By the 7th century, Petra fell into obscurity, only know by Beoudins and Arab tradesman until it was re-discovered in 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.