Hidden west of Wadi Araba in Jordan, lies one of the most extraordinary cities of the ancient world.

More than 2,000 years ago the Nabataeans, an Arab people, carved their capital city Petra out of rock. The name Petra means city of rock, but it is also known

as the Rose Red City because of its natural pink color sandstone.

From 400 BC till 200 AD, it was an important trading center. Today Petra is a great tourist attraction.

© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)