Like Machu Picchu, Petra was unknown to the Western world until it was rediscovered in 1812. The word petra means stone in Greek. Apropos is it not for a city literally carved out of the cliff face?
It was built by the Nabataeans sometime around 6 BC as a capital of their state and the center of their caravan trade route. It’s location gave the Nabataeans control over many trade routes that went west to Egypt, north to Syria, to the Red Sea, to the Dead Sea, and the Persian Gulf.
What made Petra possible at all was water. The area saw flash floods (and drought). The Nabataeans built an artificial oasis by controlling the water and it’s spread through the city. They used a combination of dams, water conduits, and cisterns to hold and distribute the water. Supplying visitors and city dwellers gave the city a source of income it wouldn’t have had otherwise in the desert.
Isn’t it amazing? I can’t wait for a chance to go see Petra!