Step into the rose-red city of Petra, where Expedition Unknown's groundbreaking investigation led to the discovery of what may be royal Nabataean tombs hidden for millennia. This UNESCO World Heritage site, carved directly into sandstone cliffs by the ancient Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, served as a vital crossroads connecting three continents and remains one of archaeology's most captivating mysteries.
Petra is an ancient Nabataean city carved into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan, originally known to its inhabitants as Raqmu. The site features elaborate rock-cut architecture, including the iconic Al-Khazneh (Treasury), and sophisticated water conduit systems that supported an estimated population of 20,000 inhabitants at its peak in the 1st century AD. Established as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the second century BC, Petra served as a major trading hub connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world until its decline following Roman annexation in 106 AD and a devastating earthquake in 363 AD. Gates investigated the site to explore newly accessible tombs and employed high-tech scanning technology to search for undiscovered royal burial chambers hidden within the city's vast cliff faces.
Earliest evidence of human habitation in the Petra area
Nabataean settlement of Petra begins
Petra established as capital of the Nabataean Kingdom
Petra reaches peak prosperity; Al-Khazneh (Treasury) constructed, possibly as mausoleum of King Aretas IV
Roman Empire annexes Nabataea, renaming it Arabia Petraea
Major earthquake destroys many structures, accelerating Petra's decline
Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered Petra for the western world
Petra designated UNESCO World Heritage Site
Gates investigates newly discovered tombs in Expedition Unknown Season 14
Mainstream archaeology recognizes Petra as one of the ancient world's most remarkable achievements in hydraulic engineering and rock-cut architecture. The Nabataeans transformed a barren desert location into a thriving metropolis through innovative rainwater harvesting systems and strategic control of incense trade routes that brought considerable wealth to the kingdom. UNESCO has described Petra as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage," highlighting both the technical sophistication of its construction and its importance as a crossroads of ancient civilizations.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra's most photographed structure, is believed by scholars to be the mausoleum of Nabataean King Aretas IV, constructed during the city's golden age in the 1st century AD. However, the exact purpose of many of Petra's elaborate facades remains debated among archaeologists, as does the full extent of the necropolis hidden within the surrounding cliffs. The relatively recent rediscovery of Petra in 1812 means that archaeological work continues to reveal new structures and tombs, with much of the ancient city still unexcavated beneath centuries of desert sand.
Gates' investigation in Season 14 focused on newly accessible tomb complexes that had remained largely unexplored by modern archaeologists. Working with researchers on site, the expedition employed ground-penetrating radar and other scanning technologies to map potential burial chambers carved deep into the cliff faces. The discovery of twelve skeletons in a previously unknown tomb represents the kind of ongoing archaeological work that continues to reshape our understanding of Nabataean burial practices and royal lineages.
While the identity of the individuals found in the tomb Gates helped investigate remains under study, the discovery highlights how much of Petra's history remains literally buried within its rose-colored sandstone. The Nabataeans' skill in concealing and protecting their tombs has preserved archaeological evidence for millennia, but it also means that comprehensive excavation of the site may take generations of careful work to complete.
Petra is called the "Rose City" because of the distinctive pink-red color of the sandstone from which its monuments are carved
The Nabataeans were skilled hydraulic engineers who created sophisticated water conduit systems that collected and stored seasonal rainfall in this desert environment
Petra remained unknown to the western world for centuries until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812
The city's original Nabataean name was Raqmu, with "Petra" being the Greek word for "rock" applied by later visitors
Petra is Jordan's most-visited tourist attraction, welcoming close to a million visitors annually according to UNESCO data. The site is accessible via the town of Wadi Musa, with visitors entering through the dramatic Siq gorge that leads to the Treasury. Given the vast scale of the archaeological site and the desert climate, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential for exploring beyond the main monuments.
Amman, Jordan's capital, located approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles) north of Petra
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring Petra's extensive trail system, avoiding both the intense summer heat and occasional winter rains. Early morning visits allow photographers to capture the Treasury in optimal lighting while avoiding peak tourist crowds.
UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985); also designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
Alexandria
Alexandria was another major trading hub connected to Petra through ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern trade networks
Egypt
Egypt was one of the three main regions (along with Arabia and the Mediterranean) connected by Petra's strategic position on incense trade routes
Holy Land
The Holy Land region shares archaeological periods and cultural connections with Petra's Nabataean and later Byzantine history
Best time to visit: Visit between March and May or September and November for pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring Petra's extensive walking trails and cliff-side monuments.
Travel tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun, and wear sturdy hiking boots as you'll be walking on uneven ancient stone surfaces for several hours.
Historical data sourced from Wikipedia