General Impressions
Yesterday, we visited the ancient city of Petra. Petra was founded by the Nabataean Kingdom in the 1st century BCE and remained inhabited until 106 CE (Taylor, 2001). This ancient city prospered through the spice trade and is now considered one of the world's most mysterious places (Bowersock, 1983). Petra was significantly affected by two major earthquakes in 363 CE and 749 CE, and the traces of these earthquakes can still be seen in the cracks of architectural structures (Ambraseys & Barazangi, 1989).
Today, we arrived in Bilad al-Sham. In Arabic, Bilad al-Sham means "the land of Sham" and historically refers to the regions of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel (Hitti & Khairallah, 1962).
Notes
- Petra: Represents a civilization founded by the Nabataean Kingdom. The city was built with careful planning but was later abandoned. It was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt (Burckhardt et al., 1830).
- Earthquakes: The most significant earthquake affecting Petra occurred in 363 CE, followed by another major tremor in 749 CE.
- Bilad al-Sham: A historically vast region that includes Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.
Additional Information
- Geography: The landscape between Aqaba and Petra is barren; right-lateral and left-lateral fault movements can be observed geologically.
- Local Guides: The use of local guides has become mandatory to ensure that visitors receive accurate historical and cultural information.
- Geology: Due to the lack of water sources, vegetation is scarce, and the rock formations are quite striking.
- Wadi Rum Campsites: Due to the absence of water, some campsites are not ideal.
- Jordan's Economy: Jordan, which does not produce oil, relies on exports (45% of its economy). The salty waters of the Dead Sea also play a crucial role in the country's economy.
References
- Ambraseys, N., & Barazangi, M. (1989). The earthquake of October-November in the Bekaa Valley: Implications for seismic hazard assessment in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 94(B4), 4007–4013.
- Bowersock, G. W. (1983). Roman Arabia. Harvard University Press.
- Burckhardt, J. L., Irby, C. L., Mangles, J., Murray, J., & Taylor Leithhead, A. R. M. (1830). Travels in Syria and the Holy Land by John Lewis Burckhardt with a Memoir of His Life and Letters from Him to His Family and Friends by William Wittman. John Murray Publisher.
- Hitti, P. K., & Khairallah, S. A. (1962). History of Syria Including Lebanon and Palestine Volume I: Ancient Syria to Crusades (1204). Macmillan Company.
- Taylor, J. E. (2001). Petra and the Lost Kingdom of Nabataea: In Search of Myths and Legends on the Frankincense Road. Harvard University Press.
