Finally we have made it to the end of the Al Siq. It was three quarters of a mile down the canyon all the while our anticipation was building up. Our guide, Bassil, made us pause before we exited the canyon. Behold the fantastic Treasury building! It was much taller, 127 feet, than I expected it to be. Impressive and very well preserved for a 2000 year old sandstone building. They built it recessed into the cliff face so there was a protective overhang. This overhang protected the building from the erosive effects of the rains. The locals named it the treasury building but it was never a treasury and in fact they have determined that is is most likely a tomb for a king. Which king it was built for is still under debate but the front runner is King Aretas III.
Our first glimpse
Here it is in all its grandure
We are as far away as possible and the entire building did not fit into the frame of the picture
The Leips have arrived
The people in front give a better idea of how large it is
This is the top level
Legend had it that this urn was filled with treasure. So it should not surprise anyone that there are bullet holes in the urn. I guess shooting it was easier than climbing to to see
It was built in the first century CE so it is a mix of Greek, Roman and Nabataean styles
This is usually the high season for visitors but tourism is down 90%
A side chamber
This camel had red goo on its neck and feet. A fly repellent perhaps?
The end of this wadi
The walls are steep all around
Extra tombs in front of the building
These are recently discovered. Only 15% of Petra had been excavated
Some repairs were done on these columns
But is is the best preserved of all the tombs
The entrance was even more protected from the elements
No one is allowed in the interior
The natural patterns on the sandstone in the interior are magnificent
Crane the neck time
Loving it!
Say camel's cheese
A horseman
There used to be throngs of Bedouin stalls selling trinkets but they were removed. Only licensed vendors are allowed and so there was a heavy security presence
We continue 100 more feet and the valley opens up!
