Petra

Petra

Lawrence Technological University

November 28, 2016

Al-Khazneh

Allen, Will (photograph)

Single built works

2015

Jordan (nation)

Petra (deserted settlement)

Hellenistic

treasuries (buildings)

rock-cut tombs

Corinthian (architectural style)

View of the bottom section of the Treasury at Petra, Jordan. "The Treasury’s façade (24.9 meters wide x 38.77 meters high) most clearly embodies the Hellenistic style and reflects the influence of Alexandria, the greatest city in the Eastern Mediterranean at this time. Its architecture features a broken pediment and central tholos (a circular building) on the upper level; this architectural composition originated in Alexandria. Ornate Corinthian columns are used throughout. Above the broken pediments, the bases of two obelisks appear and stretch upwards into the rock ... There are no inscriptions or ceramic evidence associated with the tomb that allows us to date it. Considering that it was located at the most important entrance to Petra through the Siq, it was probably a tomb for one of the Nabataean Kings. Aretas IV (reigned, 9 B.C.E. – 40 C.E.) is the most likely candidate, because he was the Nabataeans’ most successful ruler, and many buildings were erected in Petra during his reign"--Kahn Academy website.

sandstone

Treasury’s façade (24.9 meters wide x 38.77 meters high)

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