Petra

Petra

Lawrence Technological University

November 29, 2016

Al-Khazneh

Allen, Will (photograph)

architectural elements

Single built works

2015

Jordan (nation)

Petra (deserted settlement)

Hellenistic

façades

rock-cut tombs

Corinthian capitals

Detail view of the top of the facade at the Treasury or Al-Khazneh at Petra, Jordan, with Corinthian capitals and an urn at the top which gave the Treasury its name. "It is unknown as to why Al Khazneh was originally built, probably between 100 BC and AD 200. Its Arabic name Treasury derives from one legend that bandits or pirates hid their loot in a stone urn high on the second level. Significant damage from bullets can be seen on the urn. Local lore attributes this to Bedouins, who are said to have shot at the urn in hopes of breaking it open and spilling out the "treasure" within (the decorative urn, however, is solid sandstone). Another is that it functioned as a treasury of the Egyptian Pharaoh of the time of Moses (Khaznet Far'oun). Many of the building's architectural details have eroded away during the two thousand years since it was carved and sculpted from the cliff. The sculptures are thought to be those of various mythological figures associated with the afterlife,"--OpenBuildings website.

sandstone

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

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