Petra's Ancient Gardens and Pool Revealed by Archaeologists
A 2,000-year-old pool, gardens, and advanced irrigation system have been discovered in Petra, Jordan, by a team led by Leigh-Ann Bedal, associate professor of anthropology at Pennsylvania State University's Behrend College. The findings challenge the popular image of Petra as merely a desert canyon with the iconic Al Khazneh facade. Instead, the Nabatean capital featured shaded streets with vines, trees, and date palms. The pool marked the end of an aqueduct bringing water from hillside springs. Canals, pipes, and underground cisterns supported fruit trees, wine, and olive oil production. Archaeologists also found charred seeds and walnut shells likely used as fertilizer. Bedal stated that the monumental architecture and lush garden celebrated Nabatean success in providing running water to the city center.
Key facts
- Discovery of a 2,000-year-old pool, gardens, and irrigation system in Petra.
- Mission led by Leigh-Ann Bedal, associate professor at Penn State Behrend.
- Petra was the ancient capital of the Nabateans in southwest Jordan.
- The pool was the terminus of an aqueduct from hillside springs.
- Streets were shaded by vines, trees, and date palms.
- Canals, pipes, and cisterns enabled cultivation of fruit trees, wine, and olive oil.
- Charred seeds and walnut shells found, possibly used as fertilizer.
- Bedal spoke to Israeli newspaper Haaretz about the findings.
Entities
Institutions
- Pennsylvania State University
- Behrend College
- Haaretz
- Artribune
Locations
- Petra
- Jordan
- Al Khazneh
- Alessandretta