Global Treasures: Petra

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1234

UPC: 879061008337

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea, close to Wadi Musa, the "Valley of Moses" in the heart of Jordan and hidden beyond near-impenetrable mountains, is the fascinating and mysterious ancient city of Petra. Its strategic location at the junction of six important caravan routes, including the famous Incense Road, brought much prosperity to the city.

The almost two-kilometre-long Siq follows the dried-out riverbed of the Musa, whose course was redirected by the Nabataeans in order to protect their capital from dangerous flood waters. A canal that follows the Siq, around two metres above ground, is a fine technical masterpiece that was also created by the Nabataeans. There are only two routes that lead to the rocky city of Petra, a narrow mountain pass in the northwest, and the sometimes 200-metre-deep Siq Gorge to the east.

It is believed that the Treasury, carved out of solid rock walls, was built in the first century BC. It is the main landmark of the ancient Nabataean metropolis. Six splendid columns form the lower part of the atrium that, in common with most of the architecture here, has been exceptionally well preserved.