Deep within a Jordanian desert canyon lays an ancient treasure, the stone city of Petra, the capital of the Nabataean Arabs, carved directly into vibrant red, white, pink and sandstone cliffs. The city of Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Located 240 km south of the capital Amman and 120 km north of the Red Sea town of Aqaba, Petra is undoubtedly Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction, with visitors from all over the world. It is not known precisely when Petra was built, but the city began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataen Empire in the 1st century BC. This ancient city grew rich through trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices, and was later annexed by the Roman Empire. The city continued to thrive until 363 A.D., when a large, devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city.