The Lost city of Petra: how did it get lost?

The lost city of Petra, located in southwestern Jordan, boasts a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC when the Nabataean people settled there.

It flourished as a major trading center and capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, known for its stunning rock-cut architecture and sophisticated water management systems.

Petra's decline began after the Nabataean Kingdom fell to the Romans, and the city was largely abandoned by the early Islamic era. 

Petra was largely forgotten for centuries, rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt in 1812.

The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

Petra is renowned for its impressive rock-cut tombs, monuments, and houses, carved into the sandstone cliffs.

The Nabataeans developed sophisticated systems for collecting and storing rainwater, crucial for survival in the arid region.

Petra was a major trading center, particularly for incense, spices, and other goods.