Essay Sample on Petra in Jordan

Introduction

Petra is an old town in Jordan and traces history several centuries before Christ. It was once a metropolis and trading hub that currently plays a critical role in both a tourist attraction and archaeological site. The natives engaged in trading activities that provided a source of their livelihoods. People from different parts of the world visit the place as tourists and see the preserved archeological artifacts. Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world" (USAID, 2014, Pg.26). The city contains archeological sites that provide a history of the area to the visitors. Petra in Jordan is a historic city that attracts tourists from all over the world as it provides information about the history of the town through archeological evidence and enhances the experience of the visitors.

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Petra city is located on the southern part of Amman and Jerusalem and midway between Syria, Red Sea and Damascus (Comer, 2012). The strategic location makes it ideal for undertaking trading activities. Both archaeologists and historians consider it essential due to its innovative management system of water and attractive rock-out architecture. For a long time, the region was inhabitable because it was surrounded by mountainous terrain and desert and people could not get enough water for drinking and domestic purpose. Petra City created a trading place by the inhabitants known as Nabateans. Trading activity became the source of livelihood of indigenous people, and it had a significant impact on the area. It enabled people to exchange goods and this improved people's living standard. Nabateans became skilled traders as they eased commerce between Patra in Jordan and the neighboring countries that include Greece, China, and Rome among others. Trade involved goods such as gold, copper, iron sugar, ivory, incense, and animals to name a few that made Petra become an affluent profitable crossroads (Alazaizeh et al., 2016). The control of this vital trade route turned out to be Nabatean Empire's lifeblood. Those engaging in trade accumulated a lot of wealth that gave rise to a class of wealthy merchants that had a profound influence on economic activities in that area. The economic prosperity attracted the attention of the neighbors that eventually led to the invasion.

In 312 B.C., Petra was attacked by the Greek Empire, and this incident creates the first reference to the city in history that has been recorded (Sahlan, n.d.). During the battle, Nabateans became successful in repelling the Greek invaders. The mountainous terrain surrounding the city was crucial as it served as a barrier that was used by the indigenous people to hide and attack their enemies. However, it was not the last incursion as the city was attacked again.

In 106 A.D. Petra was invaded by Romans and Nabateans forced to surrender after a long struggle to fight the intruders. The name of the city was changed to Arabia Petraea by the Roman Empire as it had already seized power after conquering the territory. "The Roman Empire took over the power for over 250 years, and significant changes experienced in the area" (Comer, 2012, pg.23). Petra Roman Road was constructed and served as the entry to the city. People used this road to access Petra for various reasons that include trade. During the mid-fourth century, an earthquake struck and damaged most of the buildings. Byzantines took control and ruled for three centuries. At the wake of the eighth century, Petra was abandoned and lost its glory as an important location economically, economically and socially. However, historians and archeologists have recognized Petra due to its distinctive architecture and innovations made during its establishment by Nabatean Bedouins. The rugged terrain could seem impractical to build a city, but the indigenous inhabitants erected an essential structure to establish it. Most of the buildings were carved out of the stone surfaces using the ancient technique referred to as rock-cut architecture (Sahlan, n.d.). As Byzantines and Romans conquered the town, they introduced their techniques and Petra started to have different cultures. The design and structure used by the indigenous inhabitants were not entirely removed. It was used in erecting structures that include building to preserve the cultural heritage. Ornate tombs created by Nabateans provided an opportunity for Christian churches made by Byzantines.

Today Petra is one of the unique tourist sites globally. "A world wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jordan's most valuable treasure, Petra is Jordan's greatest tourist attraction" (Sahlan, n.d. pg.14). After the city was abandoned as a center for the trade after the eighth century, nomadic shepherds used its stone structures for sheltering themselves. The unique remains were discovered by Johann Ludwig in 1812. In his chronicles of exploration, he described the ruins of the city which was once great. When awareness increased in the Western world, it attracted scholars, architects, and other professionals. Since then, there have been several findings made that include Greek scrolls of 1993 that dates back to the Byzantine period. In 1985, Petra a global heritage site and people of Beduin tribe who had occupied the city's ruins were relocated forcibly by Jordanian authority. The idea behind it was to preserve the ruins as a heritage site where people from all walks of life can visit. Since it was named as one of the great historical sites, efforts have been made to preserve it from damage by rain and floods as well as massive tourism (Alazaizeh et al., 2016).

To improve the experience of the visitors an alternative exit was established as it was deemed to lessen foot traffic and reduce the negative impact on the area (Alazaizeh et al., 2016). Turkimaniyah road was used as an alternative path to leave the site and involved engineering drawings as well as measures of protecting the site's integrity and safety of the tomb that lies along that road. Regulations of the park are updated to ensure it is well utilized and provide management with the necessary tools of monitoring site and practices of its use. "The USAID tourism project assisted PDTRA to develop and regularly update site use instructions for the park" (USAID, 2014, Pg.22). Activities covered in the instructions include horse and camel rides, events and film production, guides and camping among others.

The Petra Visitor Center was opened officially in 2014 by King Abdullah. It offers an experience like a museum as it provides visitors with Petra history and civilization of the early inhabitants along most amazing artifacts of the ancient city. The visitor center of the city was designed carefully to enhance the experience of visitors by providing a comprehensive impression of the entire site by showing historical background and civilizations in various ages. USAID tourism played a crucial role in designing and developing an interpretation of the center. The design is grounded on the idea of improving the building's image and facade and introduction of a path for the tourists who do not want to visit the building. Other roles were introduced in the building such as orientation, interpretation, and ticketing. The renovation was also done with the introduction of water fountains and spaces for cafes. Completion of the redesign of the archeological park of Petra city took place through a joint effort of many stakeholders (USAID, 2014). It creates a striking impression that enhances the experience of visitors due to its rich history of the area it offers.

References

Comer, D. C. (2012). Tourism and archaeological heritage management at Petra: Driver to development or destruction?. New York, NY: Springer.

Alazaizeh, M. M., Hallo, J. C., Backman, S. J., Norman, W. C., & Vogel, M. A. (2016). Value orientations and heritage tourism management at Petra Archaeological Park, Jordan. Tourism Management, 57, 149-158.

Sahlan, A.W. (n.d.). Jordan Visitor's Guide. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/institution_downloads/jordan_1.pdf

USAID. (2014). Economic Growth through Sustainable Tourism Project. http://bestprojectjo.org/sites/default/files/EGST%20Final%20Report%202014.pdf