Less than a century after it was rediscovered, National Geographic's correspondent explored the ruins of Petra and found its beauty almost indescribable. The Dier, or Monastery, Petra. Notice the ...

In its prime, Petra was one of the most lavish cities in history—more Las Vegas than Athens. Accustomed to tents, the early Nabateans had no significant building traditions, so with their sudden ...

Petra, the rose-red city of Jordan, was carved into rock over 2,000 years ago and hidden from the world for centuries. Once a powerful ancient trading city, Petra still holds unexplored chambers and ...