HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsSiq
Jordan
you see the wonderful red rose rock city, the city of the Nabateans, the lost city (all carved in the mountains) riding horse to the Siq (canyon), the natural crack in the rocks to the Roman Theatre, Royal Tombs, the Roman colonnaded street,
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Siq, the majestic entrance to the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. The word 'Siq' literally means 'shaft' or 'cleft,' and as you stand here at the beginning of this 1.2-kilometer natural sandstone gorge, you will…
Listen in the app2The Arch and the Ancient Threshold
Our journey begins at the 'Bab as-Siq,' or the Gate to the Siq. In ancient times, this entrance was marked by a magnificent triumphal arch that spanned the canyon. …
Listen in the app3Nabataean Water Engineering: The Clay Pipes
One of the most remarkable features of the Siq is invisible at first glance: the sophisticated water management system. Along both sides of the canyon walls, you will notice rock-cut channels. …
Listen in the app4The Spiritual Path: Baetyls and Dushara
The Siq was not merely a road; it was a religious procession path. Along the walls, you will see numerous carvings and niches that suggest the spiritual significance this canyon held for the Nabataeans. …
Listen in the app5The Camel Caravan Reliefs
Perhaps the most poignant of all the carvings in the Siq is the camel caravan relief. Located on the left-hand wall as you head toward the city, these life-sized sculptures depict two camels being led by a guide into Petra, with…
Listen in the app6Geological Wonders and the Color of Stone
As we navigate the final bends of the Siq, take a moment to truly look at the rocks themselves. The geology of the Siq is a masterpiece of 'sandstone beauty.' The colors you see—swirls of deep maroon, brilliant yellow, stark…
Listen in the app7The Final Reveal: Approaching the Treasury
We have reached the end of the 1.2-kilometer journey, and the Siq is at its narrowest. It is here that you will experience the 'final gift' of Petra: the first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our walk through the Siq, I hope you carry with you a deeper appreciation for this 'geological and historical masterpiece.' We have walked the 1.2-kilometer fissure, witnessed the sophisticated water engineering of…
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What is Siq?
Siq is a place in Jordan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Jordan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 30.3230, 35.4566 |
| Last updated |
