Petra
![Panography in print mode : Al-Siq - The pass [ Relief sculpture of a camel caravan ]](print/lGTwryEu6yKQ/wht-326-3.jpg "Panography in print mode")
Petra
About this place
On the panel on site : "Excavations have uncovered relief sculptures of a camel caravan and numerous niches with betyles carved in relief and sculpted monolithic stones dedicated to Nabataean gods, in particular al-Uzza, the goddess of fertility. The Nabataeans and Romans sustained their sophisticated civilization through skillful water management that included advanced hydraulic systems to control the flow of water. On either side of the Siq are water channels with basins. The southern channel is hollowed out of the rock and was originally covered by sandstone and limestone slabs to prevent evaporation and contamination. The northern channel was made of interlocking terracotta pipes, parts of which can still be seen in situ".
Brief description
Source : http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/326
Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean caravan-city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.