Royal Tombs in Petra

Jordan is a magnificent city with some of the most stunning ancient architecture you will ever see and among those stunning sights is the unbelievable rock hewn facade called Royal Tombs Of Petra. The Royal Tombs of Petra are more than 2,300 years old and were carved from rose-red sandstone by the ancient Nabateans.

Layout

The Royal Tombs is a rock-hewn façade which is considered as one of the largest in Petra. It consists of a series of large mausoleums with impressive facades hewn from the western slope of the Jabal al-Khubtha rock massif. There are many tombs within the Royal Tombs itself but four of them are considered the main tombs.

1. Urn Tomb
It is the biggest of the so-called Royal Tombs. This tomb was said to belong to King Malchus II, the Nabataean monarch who died in 70 CE. The tomb is on the East Ridge of the al-Khubta mountain that is above Wadi Musa(Valley of Moses).

2. Palace Tomb
The facade of the Palace Tomb is considered the grandest and most beautiful of the Royal Tombs. It has three stories and consists of 12 decorated columns and four gates. The four gates or portals lead to four separate burial chambers.
From the rich design, it is believed that it was built in resemblance to a palace, particularly Emperor Nero's golden palace. The Palace Tomb is about 50 meters width and is almost as high as 50 meters. An outstanding feature of the palace Tomb is that part of the upper levels built and not carved out of the rock.

3. Silk Tomb
This tomb is called 'Silk' because of the colored layers of rock that cover the tomb like silk drapery. The Silk Tomb is beautifully colored with rocks that have natural pinkish, whitish and yellowish hues. The facade surface of the Silk Tomb has been damaged over time by weathering and other environmental factors but the colorful draping rocks are still stunning to see. It is located next to the Urn Tomb.

4. Corinthian Tomb
The Corinthian Tomb, is the fourth of the main tombs in the royal group. The general design of the tomb, especially it's columns was modelled in a similar fashion to the Treasury's design. However, its smaller size and combination of different styles tell the difference. The construction of the tomb is estimated to be around 40-70 CE, when Nabataean King, Malichus II reigned. Unfortunately, the Corinthian tomb is one of the most eroded façades in Petra.

History

The Royal Tombs's construction history goes back to the end of the first century CE. Archeologists have speculated this date, drawing from the architectural style of the tomb and also its relationship to other nearby tombs. The tomb's are called 'Royal' because of the splendor and grandness of the designs. The Palace Tombs, one of the four main tombs in the royal tombs also got it's name from its resemblance to a Roman palace design used in Emperor Nero's Golden House, and also due to the wide and rich decorations used in it's structure. The name is more descriptive and based on
appearance rather than function. However, the title “Palace Tomb” was found written in the oldest catalog of tombs in Petra.

Best Visiting Time

The summer months can be get really hot if you're not used to the heat, but once it's September and up to November the temperature is very conducive and perfect for all the sightseeing you can do.

Places To Visit Around The Royal Tombs

The Royal Tombs are absolutely spectacular to see, they feel like portals to the past and you get to have a sense of what life was like in the ancient sometimes. However, there are some other amazing places you can also visit if you ever get the chance to visit the Royal Tombs. Here are some of them.
1. Siq
The mysterious passageway known as As-Siq or Siq is the entrance to Petra. Siq, which translates to "shaft" in English, was created when a mountain split in two as a result of tectonic activity. It will be nothing less than a magnificent and slightly frightful experience to travel down this tunnel, where the walls loom above your head. But it's all worthwhile because As-Siq is one of Petra's most significant and popular tourist destinations.

2. Al-Deir
For an adventure like no other, hike to Al-Deir Monastery in Petra. It is one of the most incredible sites to see in Petra and unlike most other ancient sites, it is well preserved. But apart from the sights, you also get to taste some delicious local treats on your trip.

3. Al Khazneh
The Al Khazneh "The Treasury" is one of the most well-known Petra sights. It is thought to be the city's most elaborate treasure and for good reason. The place leaves you with a transcendent feeling, because it is more of an experience than a location. Al Khazneh, is one of Petra's most stunning and serene tourist destinations.

4. Qasr-Al Bint
This 76-foot temple of Qasr Al-Bint is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating spots to visit in Petra. The designs of the temple were not very well preserved and so the walls which were formerly brightly painted and decorated with carvings of several god busts no longer look the way. However, It is a magnificent edifice even thought it has lost its former glory.
One of the main Petra attractions and the only freestanding structure in the city is the Qasr al- Bint.

5. Petra Museum
The Petra Theater is a rock structure that was constructed in the first century AD by the Nabateans. It could initially accommodate only 3,000 people but the capacity was upgraded to 7,000 by the Romans. An earthquake that occurred in 363 BC destroyed many parts of the theater, and it was later further disassembled to make way for other buildings. But it continues to rank among the most significant Petra tourist attractions.