Ancient Petra | Hellenistic architecture

Petra is known primarily for its Hellenistic architecture.

The facades of the tombs in Petra are commonly rendered in Hellenistic style, reflecting the number of diverse cultures which the Nabataens traded, all of which were in turn influenced by Greek culture.

Most of these tombs contain small burials niches carved into the stone.

Perhaps the best example of the Hellenistic style is seen in the Treasury, which is 24 meters (79 ft) wide and 37 meters (121 ft) tall and references the architecture of Alexandria.

The facade of the Treasury features a broken pediment with a central tholos inside, and two obelisks appear to form into the rock at the top.

Near the bottom of the Treasury are the twin Greek gods Castor and Pollux, who protect travellers on their journeys.

Near the top of the Treasury, two victories are seen standing on each side of a female figure on the tholos.

This female figure is believed to be the Isis-Tyche, Isis and Tyche being the Egyptian and Greek goddesses, respectively, of good fortune.

Another prime example of Hellenistic architecture featured in Petra is its Monastery, which stands at 45 meters (148 ft) tall and 50 meters (160 ft) wide; this is Petra's largest monument and is similarly carved into the rock face.

The facade of this again features a broken pediment, similar to the Treasury, as well as another central tholos.

The Monastery displays more of a Nabataen touch while at the same time incorporating elements from Greek architecture.

Its only source of light is its entrance standing at 8 meters (26 ft) high.

There is a large space outside of the Monastery, which is purposefully flattened for worship purposes.

Formerly, in the Byzantine period, this was a place for Christian worship, but is now a holy site for pilgrims to visit. | Source: © Wikipedia