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| Wednesday, 9 June 2004 |
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Jordan holds architectural wonders of the world by Gwen Herat Unbelievable and spectacular; and to think that Jordan has some of the most amazing architectural features of the world spanning from an age 200,000-800 BC is simply above comprehension. To know and understand these phenomenon, one has to have a basic knowledge of the country and its physical features that made it a unique land to hold these historical treasures. As Christians and reading from the Holy Bible we know its position in the Arab World. The country shares its borders with Syria in the north, Iraq in the east and Saudi Arabia in the south. Though it has only 96,000 square kilometres, it is divided into three district regions. (A) The Ritu Valley, (B) The Plateau Valley and (C) The Desert. Beautiful It is not necessary for me to describe in detail their features except that the desert comprises more than two thirds of Jordan's area. The history of Jordan; divided its eras into several ages and to name them in order to recognize her beautiful architecture; Palaeolithic Age 200,000-800 B.C. The Great Arab Revolt (Modern Jordan) The country has always been a very beautiful and interesting one to architects as well as artists who wish to study their heritage. It would take years and years to study and follow their heritage which is rich, arrogant and magnificent. Jordanians must be a proud nation who would have inherited a cultural dynasty that few countries could boast of and share the rich heritage of Iraq who unfortunately lost their valued testimonies due to the war, something I have always lamented about. Wish it never happen to any country. Jordan's archaeology findings confirm that it was inhabited 200,000 years ago. I for one am not interested in her history but had to trace it down the line in an effort to locate the ancient marvels. That too, my interest lay in their facade beauty and what I could see as an artist and not as an architect. So, the periods are essential as my interest focused on Petra during the Roman period 63 B.C. - A.D. 324. During the reign of Nero (A.D. 67) Malchus III sent his troops to assist the Romans when they fought the Jews. Until then nothing was known about Petra. Then King Rabel who was the last king in A.D. 106, lost it when the country became a Roman Province. Romans seized the city of Petra and rebuilt it in the style of Rome with a lot of pomp and majesty. When Rome became the powerful empire, it conquered Syria and marched under the leadership of Pompey from Damascus on to east Jordan and liberated the Greek cities that had been destroyed by the Jews. All this had a great impact and influence over Jordan and in particular, Petra. Petra This city became the capital of the Nabataen Kingdom in the 4th century B.C. - A.D. 106 and also became a major caravan centre. It was a busy centre buzzing with activity and trade ties with the aromata of Arabia, silks of China, spices of India etc. They also carried these goods across to Gaza and Alazandria. Augustus mounted an expedition to South Arabia in 25 B.C. to control the apice trade but failed but he inaugurated a sea link between Arabia and Alexandria through the Red Seas and the Nile. This however without enhancing trade ties, the diversion of the land caused a gradual decline until Petra was finally annexed by the Roman Emperor Trajan in A.D. 106. It went through many phases but remained the marvel city of Jordan that was described as the red-rose city. It is still well preserved with numerous monuments. Carved in colourful rocks. Petra, incidentally means 'Rock' Magnificent facades, tombs, baths temples, museums, gateways, etc adorn this city. Petra perhaps has some of the best stone carved monuments that are much older as found even in Buddhist history. No religion is annexed to then but some are mentioned in the Old Testament. The best ones identified among many are: The Lion Tomb, Sextus Florinus Tomb, Palace Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, Silk Tomb, Urn Tomb, The Treasury (El Khaznah), Broken Prediment Tomb, Renassance Tomb, High Pallace, Triclinium, Roman Soldier Tomb and Monatery. **** Back **** |
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