Nestled in the heart of Jordan’s desolate desert landscape lies Petra, an archaeological and historical marvel that has captured the imaginations of scholars, travelers, and dreamers for centuries. Known for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, Petra is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The recent BBC Two series “Civilisations” delves deep into this ancient city, exploring its architectural grandeur and sophisticated civilization.
### A Civilizational Crossroad
Petra was once the thriving capital of the Nabataean empire from around the 6th century BCE to 106 AD when it was annexed by the Roman Empire. This nomadic Arab people excelled in harvesting rainwater, agriculture, and stone-carving—a skill that allowed them to carve their city directly into the vibrant red cliffs. As “Civilisations” highlights, Petra was much more than a desert outpost; it was a bustling trade center situated at the crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Phoenicia.
### Architectural Marvels Revealed
The series sheds light on Petra’s most iconic structure—the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)—famed for its breathtaking façade which appears suddenly at the end of a narrow canyon known as Al Siq. This awe-inspiring monument is believed to have been built in the 1st century BC as a mausoleum or crypt. Experts featured in “Civilisations” discuss how this facade is only a small part of a more extensive complex intended for various ceremonial functions.
Further exploration in “Civilisations” takes viewers beyond Al-Khazneh to discover other significant structures such as The Monastery (Ad Deir), which rivals The Treasury in grandeur yet sits atop a mountain requiring hundreds of steps to reach. The show emphasizes how these monumental structures were not just feats of architectural ingenuity but also focal points for cultural intermingling and religious activities.
### Engineering Genius
A significant portion of “Civilisations” focuses on understanding how Petra’s inhabitants mastered their harsh environment through remarkable engineering skills. They developed an extensive system capable of collecting every drop of precious water through dams, cisterns, and kilometers-long terracotta pipelines—an innovation that supported their urban lifestyle amidst arid conditions.
### Cultural Confluence
The series also highlights how Petra stood as a melting pot where ideas from various cultures amalgamated. Artifacts with Hellenistic influences coexist with indigenous Nabataean art styles suggesting a blend that extends beyond architecture into daily life aspects like language, worship practices, and art.
### Rediscovery and Preservation Efforts
“Civilisations” offers insight into Petra’s rediscovery by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812 after it had been lost to Western knowledge since Crusader times. Today’s challenges around preserving this fragile heritage are discussed at length with experts weighing in on sustainable tourism efforts vital for maintaining Petra’s integrity while keeping it accessible to tourists.
### Conclusion
BBC Two’s “Civilisations” provides an enlightening examination of Petra through cinematic visuals paired with scholarly narratives that bring alive this ancient city carved from stone. It invites viewers to appreciate not just its aesthetic qualities but also its cultural significance as a testament to human ingenuity against environmental adversities. As each episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Petra represents more than ruins; it embodies resilience—an enduring legacy etched into every stone and pathway echoing stories from millennia ago.