What does Petra mean in English?

Petra is a feminine given name. It is a feminine form of Peter, which is derived from the Greek word “πέτρα” (pronounced [ˈpetra]) meaning “stone, rock”.

Did anyone live in Petra?

Few Bedouins still live inside the historic site of Petra, dating to around 300 B.C.

What type of people live in Petra?

The Nabataeans: A Desert People The story of the city of Petra is veiled in mystery. It starts with a group of Arabian nomads called the Nabataeans, who led fruitful lives as desert traders.

Did the Edomites built Petra?

1200 BCE, the Petra area (but not necessarily the site itself) was populated by Edomites and the area was known as Edom (“red”). But little is known about Petra proper until about 312 BC by which time the Nabataeans, one of many Arab tribes, occupied it and made it the capital of their kingdom.

How was Petra destroyed?

A quake on May 19, AD 363 seems to have struck Petra an especially heavy blow. Contemporary records claim half the city was destroyed, and archaeologists confirm considerable damage to Petra’s main theater, its major temples (including the Qasr al-Bint), and the Colonnaded Street.

What was Jordan called in the Bible?

In the Hebrew Bible the Jordan is referred to as the source of fertility of a large plain (“Kikkar ha-Yarden”), said to be watered like “the garden of the LORD” (Genesis 13:10). There is no regular description of the Jordan in the Bible; only scattered and indefinite references to it are given.

What was Petra originally called?

The Greek name Petra (“Rock”) probably replaced the biblical name Sela. Remains from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods have been discovered at Petra, and Edomites are known to have occupied the area about 1200 bce. Centuries later the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe, occupied it and made it the capital of their kingdom.

What type of rock do you think is the majesty of Petra made of?

Most of Petra monuments were carved in two layers of sandstone. These layers are referred to as “Disi Sandstone”, in the upper parts of the site, and “Umm Ishrin sandstone” below it.

Is Jordan safe?

Though Jordan is a very safe country, petty theft and crime does exist. Exercise the same safety precautions you would at home and be especially careful with your passport. Carry the business card of where you’re staying so a taxi can bring you right to the door.

Is Jordan a bad country?

Jordan is one of the safer countries in the Middle East when it comes to terrorism and crime, but don’t get too complacent. Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Jordan: Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you.