Petra - a rose red city half as old as time itself

Petra is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago.  Petra was an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.

Entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, over 1km in length, which is flanked on either side by soaring, 80m high cliffs. Just walking through the Siq is an experience in itself. The rock is made of limestone which indicates that the whole area was originally underwater many thousands of years ago.

The Treasury, as it is known, was carved early in the 1st century as the tomb of an important Nabataean king. It is a massive façade, 30m wide and 43m high, carved out of the rock face by hand.

The outdoor Roman-style theatre, carved directly into the rock face could seat 3000 people.  

The baptistry was constructed in 450 - 500 AD and is the largest and best-preserved font in Petra. Baptism is pivotal in our Christian faith.  John the Baptist baptised Jesus in the River Jordan and like him, we too have been baptised.  Do you know the details of your Baptism?