2012 Jordan

Photo Journal of my visit to Jordan in 2012. It includes images taken at Amman, Petra, Jerash, Madaba, Karak, Wadi Rum, the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
Amman by night. I took this image after midnight and there was, probably because of Ramadan, still lots of activity and heavy traffic. Remnants of the Roman Temple of Hercules (161-166 AD) in the Amman Citadel. : Jordan Remnants of the Roman Temple of Hercules (161-166 AD) in the Amman Citadel. : Jordan Remnants of the Roman Temple of Hercules (161-166 AD) in the Amman Citadel. : Jordan Remnants of the Roman Temple of Hercules (161-166 AD) in the Amman Citadel. : Jordan
The Archeological Museum within the walls of the Amman Citadel. : Jordan Anthropoid Coffins in the Citadel Archeological Museum. Two of the five anthropoid coffins that were discovered in 1966 in the grounds of the Raghadan Palace, in a cistern-like tomb, in Amman. They're made of baked clay and crushed pieces of pottery and are equipped with handles for easier transportation. At the place were the head of the deceased would rest, a lid was cut out. There are portraits of the deceased on two of these lids. At the time of discovery each coffin contained two or three skeletons. Very few sites have shown this type of burial practice in Jordan and palestine. This practice was in use from the 13th to the 7th Century BC. : Jordan The Umayyad Gateway with its new wooden dome roof. This was the formal entrance to the Umayyad Palace within the Amman Citadel. : Jordan Inside the Umayyad Gateway with its new wooden dome roof. This was the formal entrance to the Umayyad Palace (730 AD). : Jordan Inside the Umayyad Gateway. : Jordan
View from the highest hill in Amman (or Philadelphia as it was called in Roman times). : Jordan This massive marble hand was found near the Roman Temple of Hercules. It once belonged to a colossal 13m high statue making it one of the largest statues of Greco-Roman times. : Jordan Roman amphitheatre in the heart of downtown Amman (or Philadelphia as it was called in Roman times after the Ptolemy ruler Philadelphus (283-246 BC)). It was probably built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Antonius Pius (AD 138-61) and it has a seating capacity of 6000. : Jordan Roman amphitheatre in the heart of downtown Amman (or Philadelphia as it was called in Roman times after the Ptolemy ruler Philadelphus (283-246 BC)). It was probably built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Antonius Pius (AD 138-61) and it has a seating capacity of 6000. On the left, the small 500-seat amphitheatre Odeon. : Jordan Hadrian's Arch The triumphal, 13m-tall Hadrian's Arch at the entrance of Jerash (Gerasa in Roman times). It was built to honour the visiting emperor Hadrian. Jerash is considered one of the most important and best preserved Roman cities in the Near East. It was a city of the Decapolis, the ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in Judea and Syria. Recent excavations show that Jerash was already inhabited during the Bronze Age (3200 BC - 1200 BC). : Jordan
Beautiful, intricate carving on Hadrian's Arch. : Jordan Guard hiding from the sun. : Jordan Columns around the unusual oval-shaped Forum. The Forum or plaza, in the heart of the city, links the main thouroughfare (Cardo Maximus) with the Temple of Zeus. It served as a market place and was the centre of the city's political and social life. : Jordan Columns around the unusual oval-shaped Forum. The Forum or plaza, in the heart of the city, links the main thouroughfare (Cardo Maximus) with the Temple of Zeus. It served as a market place and was the centre of the city's political and social life. : Jordan Columns around the unusual oval-shaped Forum. The Forum or plaza, in the heart of the city, links the main thouroughfare (Cardo Maximus) with the Temple of Zeus. It served as a market place and was the centre of the city's political and social life. : Jordan
Columns around the unusual oval-shaped Forum. The Forum or plaza, in the heart of the city, links the main thouroughfare (Cardo Maximus) with the Temple of Zeus. It served as a market place and was the centre of the city's political and social life. : Jordan Columns around the unusual oval-shaped Forum. The Forum or plaza, in the heart of the city, links the main thouroughfare (Cardo Maximus) with the Temple of Zeus. It served as a market place and was the centre of the city's political and social life. : Jordan Columns around the unusual oval-shaped Forum. The Forum or plaza, in the heart of the city, links the main thouroughfare (Cardo Maximus) with the Temple of Zeus. It served as a market place and was the centre of the city's political and social life. : Jordan Columns around the unusual oval-shaped Forum. The Forum or plaza, in the heart of the city, links the main thouroughfare (Cardo Maximus) with the Temple of Zeus. It served as a market place and was the centre of the city's political and social life. : Jordan Columns along the Cardo Maximus. : Jordan
Jerash. : Jordan Jerash. : Jordan The main thouroughfare or Cardo Maximus with the Northern Tetrapylon in the distance. : Jordan The Northern Tetrapylon in Jerash. : Jordan The Cardo Maximus leading to the North Gate. : Jordan
Jerash's North Theatre. : Jordan The Temple of Artemis (AD 150-170) with its magnificent sandstone pillars. It was dedicated to Artemis, the Goddess of Hunting and Fertility. Unfortunately the Temple was dismantled in AD 386 because it was considered a Pagan Temple. : Jordan The Temple of Artemis (AD 150-170) with its magnificent sandstone pillars. It was dedicated to Artemis, the Goddess of Hunting and Fertility. Unfortunately the Temple was dismantled in AD 386 because it was considered a Pagan Temple. : Jordan Sandstone Pillars at the Temple of Artemis with its elaborate Corinthian carvings. : Jordan Sandstone Pillars at the Temple of Artemis, Jerash. : Jordan
Sandstone Pillars at the Temple of Artemis, Jerash. : Jordan Sandstone Pillars at the Temple of Artemis, Jerash. : Jordan Sandstone Pillars at the Temple of Artemis, Jerash. : Jordan The Temple of Artemis. : Jordan Fragile balance in the Middle East. : Jordan
Temple of Zeus (AD 162) in Jerash. : Jordan Temple of Zeus (AD 162) in Jerash. : Jordan Pillars in front of the Temple of Zeus. : Jordan The oval-shaped Forum as seen from the Temple of Zeus. : Jordan The oval-shaped Forum as seen from the Temple of Zeus. : Jordan
The South Gate (AD 130) to Jerash. : Jordan Hadrian's Arch. : Jordan Hadrian's Arch. : Jordan Hadrian's Arch. : Jordan Old Jordanian Airforce F-104 Starfighter on display on the side of the road. : Jordan
Ajloun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad) atop Mt 'Auf (1250m) with it's commanding views of the Jordan Valley. This Castle was built between 1184 and 1188 by one of Saladin's Generals. The Castle was an important strategic link in the defense chain against the Crusaders. It was largely destroyed by Mongol invaders in 1260, only to be almost immediately rebuilt by the Mamluks. : Jordan Ajloun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad) : Jordan Inside Ajloun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad). : Jordan Inside Ajloun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad). : Jordan Ajloun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad) : Jordan
Inside Ajloun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad). : Jordan Inside Ajloun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad). : Jordan Cannon balls in Ajloun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad). : Jordan View from the Mountain of Nebo Mount Nebo was inhabited since remote antiquity. However, its real fame derived from the bibilical event that occurred upon it as described in the Book of Deuteronommy 34: the death of Prophet Moses, who climbed this mountain at the end of his life to see the promised land. After his death he was buried in the area, although the exact location is the subject of conjecture. A Roman nun, Etheria, stumbled across the original three-apsed church on this site during a pilgrimage in AD 393. A nave was added in the 5th century, the first baptistery in 530 and the main basilica in 597, together with a large monastery. By this time Nebo had grown in an important pilgrimage site. : Jordan The Mountain of Nebo Mount Nebo was inhabited since remote antiquity. However, its real fame derived from the bibilical event that occurred upon it as described in the Book of Deuteronommy 34: the death of Prophet Moses, who climbed this mountain at the end of his life to see the promised land. After his death he was buried in the area, although the exact location is the subject of conjecture. A Roman nun, Etheria, stumbled across the original three-apsed church on this site during a pilgrimage in AD 393. A nave was added in the 5th century, the first baptistery in 530 and the main basilica in 597, together with a large monastery. By this time Nebo had grown in an important pilgrimage site. : Jordan
Moses' Springs near Mt Nebo. : Jordan Moses' Springs near Mt Nebo. : Jordan Moses' Springs with Mt Nebo in the background. : Jordan Moses' Springs with Mt Nebo in the background. : Jordan Very loud green frog enjoying Moses' Springs. : Jordan
Pepper(?) tree at Moses' Springs. : Jordan Old Bedouin preparing to ride his donkey. : Jordan Donkey near Mt Nebo. : Jordan Bedouin posing before riding off into the desert. : Jordan Bedouin tent overlooking the Jordan Valley. : Jordan
Bedouin tents overlooking the Jordan Valley. : Jordan Mountains East of the Jordan Valley. : Jordan Although the Mountains East of the Dead Sea appear to be completely dry, small waterstreams can be found in certain places that flow, mostly just below the surface, to the Dead Sea. : Jordan Although the Mountains East of the Dead Sea appear to be completely dry, small waterstreams can be found in certain places that flow, mostly just below the surface, to the Dead Sea. : Jordan My workhorse. : Jordan
Mountains East of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Mountains East of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Mountains East of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Mountains East of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Mountains East of the Dead Sea. : Jordan
Mountains East of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Mountains East of the Jordan Valley. : Jordan Bedouin Sheepherder with his large flock. : Jordan Bedouin Sheepherder with his large flock. : Jordan The early Byzantine church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. : Jordan
The early Byzantine church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. : Jordan The early Byzantine church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. : Jordan The early Byzantine church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. : Jordan The Madaba Map The Madaba Map is part of a floor mosaic in the early Byzantine church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. The Madaba Map is a map of the Middle East. It is not oriented Northwards, like modern maps, but faces East towards the altar in such a fashion that the position of places on the map coincide with the actual compass direction. Part of it contains the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and especially Jerusalem. It dates to the 6th century A.D. The oval shape in the center represents Jerusalem. The map may partially have served to facilitate pilgrims' orientation in the Holy Land. All landscape units are labelled with explanations in Greek. : Jordan The Madaba Map The Madaba Map is part of a floor mosaic in the early Byzantine church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. The Madaba Map is a map of the Middle East. Part of it contains the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and especially Jerusalem. It dates to the 6th century A.D. : Jordan
Detail of the Madaba Map in the Byzantine church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. It dates to the 6th century A.D. This particular part depicts Jacob's Well. : Jordan Mosaic inside the early Byzantine church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. : Jordan Early 20th-century Roman Catholic Church in Madaba, Jordan. The facade was built with ancient stones and Roman columns. The Church holds the Shrine of the beheading of John the Baptist. : Jordan Early 20th-century Roman Catholic Church in Madaba, Jordan. The facade was built with ancient stones and Roman columns. The Church holds the Shrine of the beheading of John the Baptist. : Jordan Madaba, Jordan. : Jordan
Heavily armed kids in Madaba. : Jordan Very steep and curly roads leading to the Jordan Valley. : Jordan View from the Mountains East of the Jordan Valley with the Dead Sea in the distance. : Jordan Hammamat Ma'in Hot Springs. : Jordan Hammamat Ma'in Hot Springs. : Jordan
Hammamat Ma'in Hot Springs. : Jordan Hammamat Ma'in Hot Springs. : Jordan Hammamat Ma'in Hot Springs. : Jordan Salt deposits on the shores of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Salt deposits on the shores of the Dead Sea. : Jordan
Salt deposits on the shores of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Wadi Mujib Canyon. : Jordan Wadi Mujib Canyon. : Jordan The beautifully colored and shaped shore of the Dead Sea. : Jordan The beautifully colored and shaped shore of the Dead Sea. : Jordan
The beautifully colored and shaped shore of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Saltified(?) tree on the Dead Sea shore. : Jordan Saltified(?) tree on the Dead Sea shore. : Jordan Salt deposits on the Dead Sea shoreline. : Jordan Beautifully shaped salt deposits on the Dead Sea shoreline. : Jordan
Beautifully shaped salt deposits on the Dead Sea shoreline. : Jordan Salt deposits on the Dead Sea shoreline. : Jordan Salt deposits on the Dead Sea shoreline. : Jordan Salt deposits on the Dead Sea shoreline. : Jordan King Herod's Castle at Mukawir (Machaerus) Mukawir is a fortified hilltop palace. According to Flavius Josephus (37-100 AD), it is the location of the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. The fortress was originally built by the Hasmonean king, Alexander Jannaeus (104-78 BC) in about the year 90 BC. It was destroyed by Pompey's general Gabinius in 57 BC, but later rebuilt by Herod the Great in 30 BC to be used as a military base to safeguard his territories east of the Jordan. Upon the death of Herod the Great, the fortress was passed to his son, Herod Antipas, who ruled from 4 BC until 39 AD. It was during this time, at the beginning of the first century AD, that John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. The hilltop, which stands about 1100 meters above Dead Sea level, is surrounded on all sides by deep ravines which offer great natural strength. : Jordan
King Herod's Castle at Mukawir (Machaerus) with the Dead Sea in the distance. : Jordan The Dead Sea and the Hills surrounding King Herod's Castle. : Jordan Steep Hills surround King Herod's Castle at Mukawir. : Jordan Steep Hills surround King Herod's Castle at Mukawir. : Jordan Steep Hills surround King Herod's Castle at Mukawir. : Jordan
Fascinating caves near King Herod's Castle at Mukawir. : Jordan Karak Castle Karak (or Kerak) Castle is a large crusader castle located in Karak, Jordan. Karak has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age, and was an important city for the Moabites. Construction of the Castle began in the 1140s under Pagan or Paganus. It is one of the largest crusader castles in the region. The Crusaders called it Crac des Moabites or "Karak in Moab". It is probably the most famous Castle in the long chain of Castles built by the Crusaders, ranging from Aqaba in the South to Turkey in the North. The castle was only in Crusader hands for 46 years. It had been threatened by Saladin's armies several times but finally, surrendered in 1183, after a epic siege that lasted more than a year. The motion picture Kingdom of Heaven contains a fictional portrayal of the siege. : Jordan Karak Castle Karak (or Kerak) Castle is a large crusader castle located in Karak, Jordan. Karak has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age, and was an important city for the Moabites. Construction of the Castle began in the 1140s under Pagan or Paganus. It is one of the largest crusader castles in the region. The Crusaders called it Crac des Moabites or "Karak in Moab". It is probably the most famous Castle in the long chain of Castles built by the Crusaders, ranging from Aqaba in the South to Turkey in the North. The castle was only in Crusader hands for 46 years. It had been threatened by Saladin's armies several times but finally, surrendered in 1183, after a epic siege that lasted more than a year. The motion picture Kingdom of Heaven contains a fictional portrayal of the siege. : Jordan Karak Castle's Crusader Gallery (stables). : Jordan Carved relief on the East side of the Crusader Gallery (stables). The Head is missing, but the curled locks of his hair, and the ribbons attached to his head-wear can still be seen. The point of a spear projects above his right shoulder, and the head and neck of a horse are just visible above his left shoulder. A local tradition identifies this figure of Saladin (Salah al-Din), but it is much older. The carving is the funerary memorial of a Nabataean Cavalryman, fully equipped for the afterlife, and dates from the 2nd century A.D. It is one of the many pieces of ancient masonry reused in the Crusader Castle. In most cases, the Crusader masons must have used any old stone that was to hand, but in this case it may be significant that they placed the Nabataean figure so that he could be seen. Perhaps they recognized him as a fellow warrior. : Jordan
Carved relief on the East side of the Crusader Gallery (stables). The Head is missing, but the curled locks of his hair, and the ribbons attached to his head-wear can still be seen. The point of a spear projects above his right shoulder, and the head and neck of a horse are just visible above his left shoulder. A local tradition identifies this figure of Saladin (Salah al-Din), but it is much older. The carving is the funerary memorial of a Nabataean Cavalryman, fully equipped for the afterlife, and dates from the 2nd century A.D. It is one of the many pieces of ancient masonry reused in the Crusader Castle. In most cases, the Crusader masons must have used any old stone that was to hand, but in this case it may be significant that they placed the Nabataean figure so that he could be seen. Perhaps they recognized him as a fellow warrior. : Jordan The Southeastern tower of Karak Castle. The very steep Glacis (artificial slope) prevented invaders from climbing up to the castle. : Jordan View from the Southeastern tower of Karak Castle. The very steep Glacis (artificial slope) prevented invaders from climbing up to the castle. In the background you can see the hill named Umm al-Thallaja (Mother of Snows). This hill, South of the castle, posed the greatest threat to the Castle's defences during times of siege. For this reason the Southern defences were the strongest with 6.5m-thick walls, arrow slits on all four levels and a crenellated section at the top. : Jordan The hill named Umm al-Thallaja (Mother of Snows). This hill, South of the castle, posed the greatest threat to the Castle's defences during times of siege. For this reason the Southern defences were the strongest with 6.5m-thick walls, arrow slits on all four levels and a crenellated section at the top. : Jordan View from the Southeastern tower of Karak Castle. The very steep Glacis (artificial slope) prevented invaders from climbing up to the castle. : Jordan
Inside Karak Castle. : Jordan Inside Karak Castle. : Jordan Carved Rosette at Karak Castle. : Jordan Eerie tunnel in the bowels of Karak Castle. : Jordan Eerie tunnel in the bowels of Karak Castle. : Jordan
Eerie tunnel in the bowels of Karak Castle. : Jordan Beam of Sunlight nicely lights the dusty innards of Karak Castle. : Jordan Bright white calcium deposits in the Mountains East of the Dead Sea. : Jordan Make your own garage. : Jordan Shobak, Jordan. : Jordan
Shobak Castle Shobak Castle was formerly called Mons Realis (Mont Real, or Montreal - The Royal Mountain). It was build by the Crusader King Baldwin I in AD 1115. The Castle withstood numerous attacks from the armies of Saladin before succumbing in 1189 (a year after Karak), after an 18-month siege. It was later occupied in the 14th century by the Mamluks, who built over many of the Crusader buildings. : Jordan Shobak Castle Shobak Castle was formerly called Mons Realis (Mont Real, or Montreal - The Royal Mountain). It was build by the Crusader King Baldwin I in AD 1115. The Castle withstood numerous attacks from the armies of Saladin before succumbing in 1189 (a year after Karak), after an 18-month siege. It was later occupied in the 14th century by the Mamluks, who built over many of the Crusader buildings. : Jordan Shobak, Jordan. : Jordan Shobak, Jordan. : Jordan Here you can see the town of Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses) in the foreground. The historic city of Petra lies between the two mountain ranges in the background. If you know where to look (just left of the center, in the closest mountain range) you can see the Siq (shaft/canyon) that cuts through the mountains and leads to Petra. : Jordan
Strange but beautiful rock formations at Petra. : Jordan Carvings along the road from Wadi Musa to the Siq. : Jordan Carvings along the road from Wadi Musa to the Siq. : Jordan Carvings along the road from Wadi Musa to the Siq. : Jordan Mountain goats. : Jordan
The impressive dark, narrow gorge (in places only 3–4 m wide) called the Siq, a natural geological feature formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks. The Siq leads from the town of Wadi Musa to the ancient city of Petra. : Jordan The Siq. : Jordan Horse carriages navigating through the Siq. : Jordan Rock carving in the Siq leading to Petra. : Jordan The impressive 1.2km-long Siq. : Jordan
Horse carriage in the Siq. : Jordan Petra Pussycat. : Jordan Petra Pussycat. : Jordan The Siq. : Jordan The Siq. : Jordan
The Siq. : Jordan Horse carriage navigating through the narrow Siq. : Jordan Horse carriage navigating through the narrow Siq. : Jordan Horse carriage in the narrow Siq. : Jordan The impressive narrow and very dark Siq. : Jordan
First glimpse of the Treasury First glimpse of the iconic and probably best known structure of the ancient city of Petra: The Treasury (or locally known as Al-Khazneh). Upon exiting the 1.2km long Siq, this is the magnificent sight your presented with. The beautifully colored, Hellenistic facade is an astonishing piece of craftsmanship of a scale and grandeur guaranteed to evoke a wow. : Jordan First glimpse of the Treasury First glimpse of the iconic and probably best known structure of the ancient city of Petra: The Treasury (or locally known as Al-Khazneh). Upon exiting the 1.2km long Siq, this is the magnificent sight your presented with. The beautifully colored, Hellenistic facade is an astonishing piece of craftsmanship of a scale and grandeur guaranteed to evoke a wow. : Jordan First glimpse of the Treasury First glimpse of the iconic and probably best known structure of the ancient city of Petra: The Treasury (or locally known as Al-Khazneh). Upon exiting the 1.2km long Siq, this is the magnificent sight your presented with. The beautifully colored, Hellenistic facade is an astonishing piece of craftsmanship of a scale and grandeur guaranteed to evoke a wow. : Jordan The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) The Treasury (or locally known as Al-Khazneh) is probably the best known structure of the ancient city of Petra. It was carved out of the iron-rich sandstone rock to serve as a tomb for the Nabataean King Aretas III, probably somewhere between 100 BC and AD 200. The name Treasury is derived from a legend that bandits hid their loot in a stone urn high on the second level. Significant damage from bullets can be seen on the urn. Local lore attributes this to Bedouins, who are said to have shot at the urn in hopes of breaking it open and spilling out the "treasure" within (the decorative urn, however, is solid sandstone). Another story is that it functioned as a treasury for the Egyptian Pharaoh at the time of Moses. As with all the monuments in Petra, it's the facade that captivates, the interior is just an unadorned square hall with a smaller room in the back. The Treasury is 43m high and about 30m wide. I took this image a few minutes after sunset. : Jordan The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) The Treasury (or locally known as Al-Khazneh) is probably the best known structure of the ancient city of Petra. It was carved out of the iron-rich sandstone rock to serve as a tomb for the Nabataean King Aretas III, probably somewhere between 100 BC and AD 200. The name Treasury is derived from a legend that bandits hid their loot in a stone urn high on the second level. Significant damage from bullets can be seen on the urn. Local lore attributes this to Bedouins, who are said to have shot at the urn in hopes of breaking it open and spilling out the "treasure" within (the decorative urn, however, is solid sandstone). Another story is that it functioned as a treasury for the Egyptian Pharaoh at the time of Moses. As with all the monuments in Petra, it's the facade that captivates, the interior is just an unadorned square hall with a smaller room in the back. The Treasury is 43m high and about 30m wide. I took this image a few minutes after sunset. : Jordan
The Treasury (or locally known as Al-Khazneh) is probably the best known structure of the ancient city of Petra. It was carved out of the iron-rich sandstone rock to serve as a tomb for the Nabataean King Aretas III, probably somewhere between 100 BC and AD 200. : Jordan Treasury (or locally known as Al-Khazneh) is probably the best known structure of the ancient city of Petra. It was carved out of the iron-rich sandstone rock to serve as a tomb for the Nabataean King Aretas III, probably somewhere between 100 BC and AD 200. : Jordan Close-up of the Treasury's 3.5m-high sandstone urn. The name Treasury is derived from a legend that bandits hid their loot in a stone urn high on the second level. Significant damage from bullets can be seen on the urn. Local lore attributes this to Bedouins, who are said to have shot at the urn in hopes of breaking it open and spilling out the "treasure" within (the decorative urn, however, is solid sandstone). You can clearly see the bullet holes on the urn. : Jordan Close-up of the Treasury. : Jordan Bedouin camel drivers waiting for customers. : Jordan
Bedouin camel drivers waiting for customers. : Jordan The Outer Siq or 'Street of Facades' (between the Treasury and the Theatre) after sunset. : Jordan Carving in the Outer Siq or 'Street of Facades' (between the Treasury and the Theatre). : Jordan Carving in the Outer Siq or 'Street of Facades' (between the Treasury and the Theatre). : Jordan Carving in the Outer Siq or 'Street of Facades' (between the Treasury and the Theatre). : Jordan
Carving in the Outer Siq or 'Street of Facades' (between the Treasury and the Theatre). : Jordan Carving in the Outer Siq or 'Street of Facades' (between the Treasury and the Theatre). : Jordan Petra after Sunset. : Jordan This Bedouin shopkeeper clearly knows exactly what tourists want. : Jordan Transport awaits. : Jordan
Transport awaits. : Jordan The outer Siq with the 'Street of Facades' on the left and the Theatre just left of the center. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan Path leading to the High Place of Sacrifice. : Jordan
The two 6m-high Obelisks that mark the entrance to the High Place of Sacrifice or locally known as Al-Madbah (the Altar). : Jordan One of the two 6m-high Obelisks that mark the entrance to the High Place of Sacrifice or locally known as Al-Madbah (the Altar). : Jordan The ancient city of Petra as seen from the High Place of Sacrifice or locally known as Al-Madbah (the Altar). The Nabataeans levelled the top of Jebel Madbah to make a platform, digging large depressions with drains to channel the blood of sacrificial animals. At first there doesn't seem much to see except for some weathered steps, but this is in fact one of the best-preserved sacred sacrificial sites from ancient times. : Jordan The ancient city of Petra as seen from the High Place of Sacrifice or locally known as Al-Madbah (the Altar). The Nabataeans levelled the top of Jebel Madbah to make a platform, digging large depressions with drains to channel the blood of sacrificial animals. At first there doesn't seem much to see except for some weathered steps, but this is in fact one of the best-preserved sacred sacrificial sites from ancient times. : Jordan So what are these intriguing piles of stone? A Bedouin assured me that they have no significance whatsoever, it' s just tourist wanting to leave their mark. : Jordan
So what are these intriguing piles of stone? A Bedouin assured me that they have no significance whatsoever, it' s just tourist wanting to leave their mark. : Jordan The path down from the High Place of Sacrifice. : Jordan Friendly Bedouin doesn't mind posing after a chat. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan
The Garden Hall was built between 200BC and 200AD. The open space in front of this monument is thought to have been a garden, hence the monument's name. : Jordan The Roman Soldier's Tomb. : Jordan The Roman Soldier's Tomb. : Jordan Barely visible but on the top of this mountain named Al-Habis, there's a small Crusader Fort built by Baldwin I in AD 1116. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan
I can't escape from seeing a female face overlooking Petra in this overhanging cliff. : Jordan The Royal Tombs as seen from the summit of Al-Habis, one of the many high places of Petra. : Jordan Qasr al-Bint, one of the freestanding structures in Petra. It was built around 30 BC by the Nabataeans as a dedication to the gods and was one of the most important temples of the city. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan
Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan
The Sextius Florentinus tomb, built from AD 126 to 130 for a Roman Governor of Arabia. : Jordan The Palace Tomb, the largest in Petra. : Jordan The Palace Tomb, the largest in Petra. : Jordan The Palace Tomb, the largest in Petra. : Jordan The Silk Tomb, Petra. : Jordan
The Royal Tombs as seen from the summit of Al-Habis, one of the many high places of Petra. : Jordan From left to right: The Palace, the Corinthian, and the Silk Tomb in the setting sun. : Jordan The Urn Tomb. : Jordan Uneishu Tomb, Petra. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan
Petra. : Jordan Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan
Amazing sandstone shapes and colors. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan Dog guarding Petra's Royal Tombs. : Jordan Path leading to perhaps the most spectacular sight of Petra: The Monastery. The path of more than 800 steps follows the old processional route. : Jordan
Petra. : Jordan The Monastery (Al-Deir). : Jordan The Monastery (al-Deir) The spectacular Monastery (locally known as Al-Deir) is hidden high up in the hills. It is similar in design to the better known Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m high). Built in the 3rd century BC as a Nabataean tomb, perhaps for King Obodas I, the Monastery derives its name from the crosses carved on the inside walls, suggesting that the building was used as a church in Byzantine times. : Jordan The Monastery (al-Deir) The spectacular Monastery (locally known as Al-Deir) is hidden high up in the hills. It is similar in design to the better known Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m high). Built in the 3rd century BC as a Nabataean tomb, perhaps for King Obodas I, the Monastery derives its name from the crosses carved on the inside walls, suggesting that the building was used as a church in Byzantine times. The courtyard in front of the Monastery was once surrounded by columns and was probably used for sacred ceremonies. : Jordan The Monastery (al-Deir) The spectacular Monastery (locally known as Al-Deir) is hidden high up in the hills. It is similar in design to the better known Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m high). Built in the 3rd century BC as a Nabataean tomb, perhaps for King Obodas I, the Monastery derives its name from the crosses carved on the inside walls, suggesting that the building was used as a church in Byzantine times. The courtyard in front of the Monastery was once surrounded by columns and was probably used for sacred ceremonies. : Jordan
Brave or Foolish? Two young Bedouin men on top of the 45m high Monastery. : Jordan Brave or Foolish? : Jordan Brave or Foolish? : Jordan Brave or Foolish? : Jordan Brave or Foolish? : Jordan
Enjoying the spectacular Monastery (al-Deir). : Jordan Petra. : Jordan Petra. : Jordan Donkeys awaiting customers. : Jordan Donkeys awaiting customers. : Jordan
The spectacular Monastery or Al-Deir bathing in the warm evening light. : Jordan It's all about location! These Bedouin tea shops have stunning views West over Wadi Araba towards Israel and the Palestinian territories. : Jordan Excellent views when climbing up past the Monastery. : Jordan This horse (how on earth did it get up there) does not seem to be very excited by the view. : Jordan The Monastery (in the distance) basking in the setting sun. : Jordan
The Monastery basking in the setting sun. : Jordan The Monastery or Al-Deir just before the sun sets. This sight was definitely worth the climb. : Jordan The Monastery or Al-Deir just before the sun sets. This sight was definitely worth the climb. : Jordan The Monastery or Al-Deir just before the sun sets. This sight was definitely worth the climb. : Jordan Petra after the Sun had disappeared behind the Mountains. : Jordan
Petra. : Jordan Petra by Night. : Jordan Petra by Night. On certain nights numerous candles are lit at Petra's iconic Treasury. This is a 30 sec exposure of the event. : Jordan Petra by Night. On certain nights candles are lit at Petra's iconic Treasury. I was lucky enough to witness this with a rising full moon. The moon nicely lights the mountain top and upper part of the Treasury. A combination of candlelight and reddish sandstone creates the beautiful orange-red colors. This is a 4 min(!) exposure of the event which causes small star trails to appear in the night sky. : Jordan Last Glimpse of Petra and the surrounding mountain ranges. : Jordan
It wasn't always nice weather, here's the proof. : Jordan Aqaba, Jordan. : Jordan Aqaba, Jordan. : Jordan What does the sign say? Hump muster point? : Jordan Ruins of a 2000-year old Nabataean temple dedicated to the deity Lat in Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan
Ruins of a 2000-year old Nabataean temple dedicated to the deity Lat in Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Lawrence's Spring (Ain Ash-Shallalah) in Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Contrary to popular belief, even a Toyota Landcruiser can break down. : Jordan Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan
Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Striking sand dune in Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Striking sand dune in Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Striking sand dune in Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Striking sand dune in Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan
Striking sand dune in Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Small natural rock bridge, Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan
Beware of crossing camels, Wadi Rum, Jordan. : Jordan Time to go home. : Jordan Time to go home. : Jordan