Chapters - Quick Access:
Petra before the Nabataeans
Evidence of early settlements since the Paleolithic Age
Arrival and rise of the Nabataeans
The Nabataeans in the territory of Edom, sources of wealth, the Greeks loot "Petra", powerful neighbors
Petra / Raqmu becomes capital
Early traces of settlement and documented references, Petra becomes station of the Incense Road, oldest monumental tombs
Beginning of the 1st century to 30 BC
Greatest expansion of the Nabataean Kingdom, its dependence on Rome, conflicts with Herod and Cleopatra, end of the Ptolemies
Last decades 1st century BC
Obodas II and Syllaeus, Nabataeans strengthen economically, early facade tombs, preparatory work for monumental construction
The heyday of Petra, 1st century AD
The building activity in Petra and the Nabataean Kingdom until its end in 106 AD
Roman province, 2nd and 3rd century
Mysterious annexation, Petra remains the metropolis of the new province, new building boom, gradual decline
Byzantine period to Middle Ages
Christianization, great earthquake 363 in Petra, church buildings, crisis and end of the city, Islamization, Crusaders in Petra
Rediscovery, modern times, present
First European visitors in Petra, beginning of systematic exploration, UNESCO World Heritage Site, new museum