 |
Ancient Mysteries
The Hidden City of Petra
At the dawn of the first millennium, an enterprising desert people defied the forces of nature and carved a rose-colored city out of the stark Jordanian mountains. A narrow passage through a two-mile chasm reveals their hidden city. Beneath the stone and desert sand lies Petra, 35 miles of temples, tombs, colonnaded market streets, canal systems and cisterns. In this abandoned city, exquisite frescoes and pottery stand in silent tribute to a highly sophisticated, technologically superior people and their long buried culture. The Hidden City of Petra would be useful for classes on World History, World Culture, Archeology, Anthropology, Religion and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school
Vocabulary
Discussion Questions
-
Petra remained a secret for centuries. How were the Bedouins able to keep this magnificent city a secret for so long?
-
How was the city of Petra finally discovered?
-
Petra is known for its mysteries. Why is this city so mysterious? What are some of its puzzling mysteries?
-
What is archeology? What does an archeologist do? How are archeologists uncovering some of the mysteries of Petra?
-
Women of Petra had a right that few other women of the ancient world had. What was that right? Why did so few women before modern times possess it?
-
The inhabitants of Petra, the Nabateans, possessed great wealth. How did they obtain this wealth?
-
The desert is a very harsh environment where just surviving is a challenge. How did the Nabateans conquer the desert and solve the problems of food and water?
-
Many cultural influences are evident in the architecture of Petra. What are some of them?
-
What spiritual rituals do archeologists think the Nabateans practiced?
Extended Activities
-
Trace a map of the Middle East and highlight the city of Petra.
-
Using any medium of your choice, recreate the great Nabatean theater at Petra.
Related Videos
|
