A rare 1969 glimpse into the ancient stone city of Petra, Jordan
In short: This archival footage captures a 1969 expedition through Jordan, documenting the rugged landscape and architectural wonders of Petra. It provides a unique look at the Nabataean site, from its narrow entrance to its iconic rock-cut facades, as recorded by the Penn Museum.
Filmed in June 1969, this reel documents the journey of the Nabataeans, an ancient people from Northwest Arabia who carved the city of Petra directly into the mountains. The footage highlights the Sig, a narrow mountain defile that serves as the primary entrance to the city, featuring ancient water management systems like stone barrages and channels carved into the rock walls.
The video showcases the architectural legacy of the site, including the Treasury building, rock-cut tombs with eroded columns, and niches once dedicated to deities. Beyond the ruins, the film captures the local landscape of the era, including Bedouin life, loaded camels, and terrace farming in the green valleys surrounding the mountains.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Jordan 1969 Reel 39 of 65
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