Two thousand years ago, an ancient city called Petra
thrived deep in the desert of Jordan. This
city was the capital of the powerful
Nabataean
kingdom.

Petra was
founded along the ancient trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and
the Mediterranean Sea. As a center for trade, the capital became
very wealthy and powerful. The busy city was bustling with life,
full of lush gardens, ornate houses, and markets loaded with exotic
goods from India, Arabia, and Egypt.

Petra
flourished for centuries, even after it was taken over by the Roman
Empire in A.D. 106. Eventually, Rome moved the center of trade away
from Petra and the city's importance slowly faded. Over time, the
city that was once a vibrant and vital capital was abandoned and
fell into ruins.

For over 500 years, the city was forgotten, known only to local
people. In the 1800s, western explorers rediscovered Petra. Today,
it is one of the world's most famous ancient sites. Still, only 5
percent of the city has been uncovered, and many mysteries
remain.