Page 106 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Israel & Petra

104 ❯❯ Israel and Petra Area by Area

Petra Church
7
REDISCOVERY OF PETRA MAP C3
Hidden from the outside world for One of several churches, the main
over 500 years, Petra was rediscovered Byzantine basilica dates from the
by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig 5th and 6th centuries AD. The well-
Burckhardt in 1812. On his travels, he preserved mosaic aisle floors depict
was captivated by tales of a lost city in mythological creatures, deer, and
the mountains. Disguised as a Muslim birds, and are a highlight. Human
scholar pretending to offer a sacrifice
to the Prophet Aaron, he became the figures represent the seasons and
first modern Westerner to enter Petra. elements of nature. In the nave,
parts of the geometrical stone and
marble floor have also survived. In
Royal Tombs
6 1993, a cache of 152 burned scrolls
was discovered here, giving insights
MAP C3
The impressive scale of these tombs into the daily life of Byzantine Petra.
indicates that they were built for
Monastery
Petra’s wealthiest 8
citizens. The largest MAP C3
is the Palace Tomb. One of Petra’s most
Originally five stories mesmerizing sights,
high, its top levels were this temple is second
raised up using huge only to the Treasury
blocks of stone. The in impact. The path
Corinthian Tomb is up to this site carved
badly eroded and into the mountains
asymmetrical, ascends through a
but its design echoes gorge and involves
that of the Treasury. Byzantine mosaic, over 800 rock-cut
A staircase leads up Petra Church steps. Dedicated
to the lofty Urn Tomb, to the deified king
whose interior was consecrated as a Obodas I, who died around 86 BC, it
church in AD 447. The beauty of is of a similar design to the Treasury
these tombs is enhanced by the but simpler and on a larger scale.
vibrant stripes of color rippling over The façade hides one large chamber
their walls and ceilings. They are where an altar stood. The top is
especially magnificent when viewed crowned by a colossal urn resting
from a distance in the afternoon sun. on ornate horned capitals.
The Monastery

Eyewitness Travel – Top 10 series LAYERS PRINTED:
Two-column, 8.5pt grid “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v.1.9)
102-105_Top_10_Israel.indd 104 19/06/2017 12:58
Date 24th June 2015
Size 100mm x 191mm