Originally a nomadic people who made their living on the trading routes, the Nabateans settled into the security of the Petra canyon. As you come to the end of this beautiful ravine, a very narrow opening offers a peephole to one of the most spectacular sites in Jordan - the treasury. Whatever it's purpose, it would seem that the Nabateans wanted to make a good first impression to the visitors of their city. Not a lot is known about the ancient culture of the Nabateans, except that they were excellent engineers. With amazing skill and craft they built water conservation and irrigation systems and carved their homes, temples and tombs right out of the rock.
Scholars debate on the question.
Unfortunately, the region suffered several severe earthquakes and the Nabateans eventually abandoned the site. The local Bedouin merchants who attend the souvenir shops may be the descendants of the few who remained. Thanks for visiting Petra. If you have enjoyed the tour you would probably also like our video of Jordan .