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Dromedary camel at the Theater Necropolis in Petra, Jordan
Nobody's home
The tombs and temples that comprise ancient Petra aren't so much additions as subtractions from this Jordanian desert basin. The Nabataeans, who founded the city around two millennia ago, did more tunnelling and carving than constructing when they created the "Rose City" from its pinkish sandstone surroundings. These carved caverns may look like dwellings, but they weren't designed for living in. The cut-outs are part of what's called the Theater Necropolis – one of Petra's several tomb complexes.
Nobody's home
The tombs and temples that comprise ancient Petra aren't so much additions as subtractions from this Jordanian desert basin. The Nabataeans, who founded the city around two millennia ago, did more tunnelling and carving than constructing when they created the "Rose City" from its pinkish sandstone surroundings. These carved caverns may look like dwellings, but they weren't designed for living in. The cut-outs are part of what's called the Theater Necropolis – one of Petra's several tomb complexes.
Caverns designed to house the dead dot the cliffs as a solitary camel wanders past.
© Heeb Photos / eStock 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :