'''Petra''' is an ancient city in southern [[Jordan]]. It was created by the [[Nabateans]]. Exact dating of the site is difficult but it is thought to have been in use from the 6th century BC until 363 AD when an [[earthquake]] destroyed the [[water]] supply. It was famously described as "a rose-red city half as old as time" in a sonnet by John William Burgon. The unique feature of Petra is that most of the buildings are carved into the red [[sandstone]] [[cliff]]s rather than being free-standing.
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[[Image:Petra.jpg|thumb|180px]]'''Petra''' is an ancient city in southern [[Jordan]]. It was created by the [[Nabateans]]. Exact dating of the site is difficult but it is thought to have been in use from the 6th century BC until 363 AD when an [[earthquake]] destroyed the [[water]] supply. It was famously described as "a rose-red city half as old as time" in a sonnet by John William Burgon. The unique feature of Petra is that most of the buildings are carved into the red [[sandstone]] [[cliff]]s rather than being free-standing.
Petra was an important stopping point on the ancient [[caravan]] routes but started to experience a decline in [[Roman]] times with the rise of sea-transport.
Petra was an important stopping point on the ancient [[caravan]] routes but started to experience a decline in [[Roman]] times with the rise of sea-transport.