al-‘Aqabah, Jordan (Gateway to Petra) - Mar 22, 2013

al-‘Aqabah is a Jordanian coastal city situated at the Northeastern tip of the Red Sea. It is the largest city on the Gulf of Aqaba and Jordan’s only coastal city. It is famous for its warm water and rich marine life and therefore best known today as a seaside and diving destination. al’Aqabah is also used at the port of call to reach the city of Petra located about a two hour drive north of where ship’s dock. Petra as defined by the brochure, Perhaps the words of Dean Burgon’s famous poem: “match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime / A rose-red city half as old as time ...” reflect some truth about Petra. Yet words can hardly do justice to the true magnificence that is Petra. Some archaeologists have ranked ancient Petra as the eighth wonder of the ancient world - a truly justifiable claim. Petra is unique in every respect, having something to offer to the historian, anthropologist, archaeologist, geologist, architect and the naturalist, all of whom regularly come to Petra to conduct their studies and be in touch with the ancient past. You do not have to be a specialist in any field though to appreciate Petra because, once inside of it, you will be quickly awe-struck and you will want to know the how, why and where about it. Two uploads as a result of amount of pictures...