A thought-provoking finding at Petra: by 106 CE when Romans arrived, over 2 meters of sediment had already accumulated at the plaza. Without maintenance, the Nabataean water system crumbled—dams collapsed, conduits clogged. Sediment analysis shows accumulation rates of 1.84-2.37 mm yearly, meaning 630-1,360 years of buildup. This timeline raises questions: the Nabataeans may not have been the original creators of Petra's monuments, challenging long-held assumptions about when this extraordinary site was built.
Water system failure caused 2 meters of sediment before Roman arrival
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Key facts
- By 106 CE when Romans arrived, over 2 meters (6 ft) of sediment had accumulated at Petra's plaza covering tomb entrances
- Without proper maintenance, Petra's water system crumbled over time: dams collapsed, conduits and tunnels clogged
- The 1.5 to 2.5 meters of sediment below the Roman limestone courtyard would have taken 630 to 1,360 years to accumulate at the rate of 1.84-2.37 mm per year
- This sediment timeline suggests the Nabataeans may not have been the original creators of the water system
- The sediment rate discrepancy raises questions about the true age and creators of Petra's monuments
Sources
Archaeologists stunned by bizarre find at ancient Petra - Daily Expressexpress.co.uk
Archaeologists were astonished at finding white sandstone in the ancient city of Petra - a region filled exclusively with red sandstone.
In Jordan, a 'Stunning' Discovery Under Petra's Ancient Stonenytimes.com
A recent excavation has unearthed 12 human skeletons and a chamber of grave offerings near Petra's Treasury building, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Discovery of a Tomb in Petra Was Hailed as 'Significant ...news.artnet.com
Various archeologists claim a “groundbreaking” discovery in Petra, Jordan isn't as groundbreaking as the media made it out to be.
Massive Structure Found 'Hiding In Plain Sight' At Ancient Site Of Petranpr.org
Researchers have discovered a monumental structure amid the world-famous ruins of Petra, Jordan. It was apparently hiding in plain sight.
Archaeologists in Petra Discover Secret Tomb Hiding Beneath a ...smithsonianmag.com
The recent excavation beneath the Treasury has revealed 12 complete human skeletons and a trove of grave goods dating back 2000 years.
Petra Plaza Hotel (Petra) - 2026 Prices, Reviews & Dealsus.trip.com
The hotel is very close to Petra's ancient city. It's convenient to see the night view after exploring the old city during the day.
Decumanus (Petra)madainproject.com
Following the Roman annexation in 106 CE, the site was remodeled for the imperial cult before its eventual destruction by fire in the late 3rd century CE.
The Nabataean Façade Monuments of Petra, Jordanscholarsarchive.byu.edu
by JM Newbold · 2021 · Cited by 1 — ... 106 CE. The Nabataeans are known for the monumental façades carved into the sandstone cliffs surrounding their capital city. The first ...
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