5Petra, Jordan
Petra, the ancient city carved into the red sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan, is renowned for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Established as a major trading hub by the Nabataeans in the 4th century BCE, Petra is famous for its elaborate tombs and temples, including the iconic Al-Khazneh, or Treasury, which is carved into the face of a towering cliff. The city’s sophisticated hydraulic engineering, including an extensive network of channels and cisterns, allowed it to thrive in a harsh desert environment. Rediscovered in the 19th century by explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, Petra remains a UNESCO World Heritage site and a marvel of ancient architecture.
