#Aretas IV

[callmemaeverick]

Okay, Don Q is a character! I LOVE HIM!

[ghettogirly]

Can you create a one shot where Armando Aretas and o/c argue that Armando confesses his feelings?

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𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐛𝐨𝐲𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝!𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫.

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-> synopsis: seeing your bestfriend get engaged should be a happy feeling for you. Unfortunately, it’s not. Not when she’s stealing your man.

-> theme: angst and fluff.

-> format: imagine/story.

-> warnings: mentions of infidelity, mentions of trapping, mentions of manipulation, (if you squint).

-> authors note: i’ve had writers block, sorry for how long ive been away guys. Hope you enjoy! 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝🌸.

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𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐀 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄. You could hear the scraping noises of the suitcases that was being lugged to the cabin that was illuminated with a warm light, colours of orange and yellow pouring out of the windows. It was currently nighttime but there were structures of light that lit up the land around it.

Snow was pummelling down some mountains while some trees subtly moved due to the slight, cold breeze that cascaded over the group. It was a getaway with some friends, a ski trip. Well needed due to the busy lifestyle you have of being a fashion designer in Miami, the constant demand of clothes and the myriad of fabrics making your mind go crazy.

So when your friend, Miyah, proposed a trip you were more than happy to go. Well, that before you knew Armando was coming.

For all you know, you thought it was a girls trip but when you found out more people were coming… it wasn’t all smiles anymore.

Frustrated by the idea of Miyah and Armando even being together, you felt as if you were more deserving to be with him.

However, you pushed your feelings aside and settled into the cabin. Greeting your mutual friends around you. Walking around, you noticed the rustic theme within the house. The natural and organic vibe of the house, littered with logs and pure wood which was accompanied by the aroma of a slight cinnamon scent, making you feel at peace. Loads of your friends were beginning to go upstairs to unpack their things so, following their lead you begin to head upstairs.

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The next few days were torturous. Quite the opposite of what you thought this holiday was going to be. Standing back while the others congratulated the couple, you couldn’t believe what was happening. The rose petals scattered amongst the floor while a white light illuminated from the fairy lights bunched along the wooden structure covering the people, a big fat ring sat on your best friend’s hand.

He proposed.

He really proposed.

Walking up with your lips tight, you hugged your bestfriend while she was rambling about how beautiful the proposal was. Glancing over at Armando, he dapped up his friends while his face was.. blank. Smiling every now and then to please people but you struggled to believe if he was truly happy.

Regardless, you felt sick at the whole situation. Happy faces that were spread out around you, loud talking and people jumping up and down caused the sickness in your stomach to bubble up even more. Excusing yourself, you retreat back to your bedroom before plopping down on the bed.

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A knock was heard on the door, slowly moving, you sat up. With your curls flat at the back and compact, you realised you fell asleep as it was now dark outside. Another knock was heard causing you to now stand up, your throat being a bit groggy due to the mucus that now developed over the past hour. “Damn who the fuck knocking on my door like the police?!”

Opening the door, the tall, hispanic man now hovered over you. His eyes flashing a split second of worry before going back into his nonchalant state. “Can i come-“

Not even letting him finish his sentence, you shut the door on him before turning back and walking towards your bed. The door opened on response and was slowly closed by the male who didn’t want noise, not taking your rejection as a final answer. “No seas así.”

“Don’t talk to me in spanish, that shit don’t work on me like the other girls motherfucker.”

“It sure worked on you last time..” a whisper was heard from the man which made you whip your head around towards him.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing mami, come over here and talk to me.” Now walking towards you as you were laying on your bed, you rolled over backwards still wanting some distance between the both of you.

“Armando, what do you think this is? I can’t look at you in the face right now!!!”

“Stop being loud. Did you think i wanted to do this??”

“At this point, i don’t give a fuck what you didn’t or did want to do! I’m done with you and her. Clearly you don’t give a fuck about what us two have!”

A huff was heard from the male who slowly moved to your position. Reaching out his hand towards yours, however, your arms were crossed.

“Escúchame… i’m trying to buy us sometime. I’ll long out the process so we can sort our shit out and then we can just go, me and you. I’m doing this for us.”

“Are you? Or are you trying to please the both of us? I can’t do it anymore Armando!”

“¿Por qué me importaría complacerla cuando eres a quien amo?”

“Well it doesn’t seem like you-“

Failing to finish your sentence, you was pulled into a deep kiss from Armando, who was now sitting right next to you with his arm around your waist. The feeling of his soft lips touching yours dissipate the anger streaming from you, now turning it into calmness with a hint of sadness.

“Listen. I’m going to leave her baby, tienes que confiar en mí.”

“Okay Armando, i’ll trust you.”

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[🌸] 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:

“No seas así.” : Don’t be like this.

“Escúchame” : Listen to me

“¿Por qué me importaría complacerla cuando eres a quien amo?” : Why would o care to please her when you’re the one i love?

“tienes que confiar en mí” : you have to trust me.

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[🌸] 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @milliumizoomi @shurisgf @5tarlan7 @armandosbabymama @tyneshaaa @dyttomori @sarcasticbitchsblog @believeinthefireflies95 @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @twinklestarlight @bootlegroach @deadpool15 @wizewhispers @amplifiedmoan @thedarkworldofhananerea @yeahnohoneybye

[bala5]

The magnificent 2,000-year-old Petra Theater carved into the mountainside, Jordan. The theater, which has a capacity of 8,500 spectators, was built by the Nabataean King IV. While it is dated to the Aretas period, the back wall of the stage was rebuilt during the Roman period.

[violetmuses]

Tandem: Part IV (18+ MINORS DNI) 👀

@peaxhygirl @superstar-t20 @adoresmiles @klssngss @deja-r @hyper-trash-panda @amethyst-loves-bucky @planetblaque @sweettea-and-honeybutter @lovedlover @xjjawsomex @readingisahobby @kindofaintrovert @nelo0wesker @gg-trini @cloveroctobers @maliagurl @nobodygetsza @twinklestarslight @yassbishimvintage @episodes-ff @sweetiepie4190 @kirayuki22 @katbakhoe @persethegawd @babybratzmaraj 🏷

Tandem Masterlist ❤️‍🩹

=====

2024

“Marcus, what are you doing?” Trying to enjoy lunch, Detective Mike Lowrey questioned his partner Marcus Burnett.

“I'm calling Terry. Something ain't right.” Marcus excused himself from the kitchen table while Mike's wife Christine held her daughter “Princess.”

Uh-oh. Mike thought.

*****

Spending time with Armando at home, you noticed that the doorbell rang out of nowhere.

“I got it.” You paused the random film and kissed Armando's cheek.

As of now, you stopped working at the nightclub and just wanted to breathe, not forcing yourself to dash around on a regular basis.

Opening that front door, you realized that Terry stood on the porch right now.

“Hello. Uh…” Richmond chuckled through awkwardness.

“Hi, come in. Is everything okay?” You welcomed Terry past the main threshold again.

“Marcus wanted me to check." Terry cleared his throat.

“We're all right. He's just looking out.” You smiled regarding Marcus, and Armando emerged from the living room.

“What's up?” Revealing his slightly accented English, Aretas greeted Richmond once more.

“Your Uncle tripped again and I'm actually confused.” Terry laughed. “Might as well if you're okay.”

“Oh! Marcus called you?” Armando casted both eyes toward the ceiling.

“I'm happy for y'all.” Terry stayed cordial for obvious reasons.

“Thank you.” You chimed back in, but Armando took charge again.

Leaving your side, Aretas and Richmond walk elsewhere.

______

“Tell the truth.” Armando crossed both arms while standing in the living room.

“I won't argue again.” Terry still knew so much better.

“What do you want?” Aretas moved back.

“Doesn't matter. I can't even do something about your relationship.” Terry confirmed. “I'm not going to fight.”

“If it doesn't bother you, then why not date somebody else?” Armando lifted his brow.

Terry's heart dropped.

“That's none of your business.” No matter what happens next, Richmond pulled emotions together.

“Dinner's ready!” You called Armando to the kitchen and Terry, realizing sadness, left.

Damn.

*****

Between Armando joining the police department or still helping Mike and Christine raise his little sister, you quickly ended up standing by yourself.

Sleeping alone. Late nights. Fewer dates. On and on.

“Work and family are important, but I might as well be single.” Your voice debated again.

“Cariño…” Using his native language of Spanish, Aretas struggled and you flinched back.

“Do you want me or not? I'm tired.” Sniffing, your heart began riddling to pieces.

“Yes.” His own brown eyes locked down your presence.

When his lips reach your cheek, you closed both eyes, moving past anger yet grounding loneliness.

Just before you would shower alone, the doorbell rang once more.

“Go upstairs. I'll get the door.” Aretas offered, watching you vanish for a moment.

______

While preparing for bed, you heard two voices echo downstairs.

For once, you smiled while facing the bathroom mirror.

Terry showed up again.

Quietly heading back down, you glanced over the staircase and noticed both men laughing.

“What are you two doing?” You can't help asking questions and join the living room once more.

“No more drama. I'm trying to set up his dating profile.” Armando explained what's going on with Terry.

“Give me his phone.” You opened your hand and Armando passed the device.

“Are you serious?” Terry shook his, still humored right now.

“Would you like to date other people?” You checked on Richmond.

“No, Ma'am.” Richmond stepped closer and gently took his phone away.

“There's your answer. He doesn't even want that nonsense.” You corrected Armando.

“I wanna try something.” No longer fighting, Aretas held your waist.

“What?” You toyed with the gold chain that shined around his neck.

“Kiss me first.” His rasping tone played countless fantasies in your head.

“Okay.” Meeting the lips of your best friend, you smiled for Armando and nearly danced in his embrace.

Life stood too short and you couldn't afford to lose this bond while impatient.

“Now, listen to me. The choice is yours.” Aretas held the back of your neck. “Wanna kiss Terry?”

Shit.

Once you left Armando, Richmond waited for an answer.

“I'll leave now if you want.” Terry promised safeguards.

“Stay.” You whispered and moved closer until each of your noses met.

“All right.” Richmond tilted his head to aid your stance.

Heartbeats jumped around as everyone acknowledged the consenting moment.

When you kissed Terry for the first time, sparks flew through one moment.

“Sorry.” You cleared your throat and shook away possible thoughts, remaining loyal.

“What's wrong?” Armando questioned.

“I don't want to cross the line.” You expressed fears to Aretas.

“You're not upsetting me. Do you feel bad right now?” Armando smoothed his calloused yet gentle fingers along your arms.

“No. Terry's a good kisser.” You then continued speaking. “I just don't want to make you mad.”

“I'm not mad.” Armando vowed. “Enjoy.”

Going back near Richmond, you leaned for another kiss and he followed, letting heat guide all movements now.

Aretas didn't even interfere when Terry lifted your weight.

Before long, your legs instinctively wrapped around his waist and Richmond even carried you to the sofa.

Shadowing his body over yours, Terry almost burned through simple clothes and still kissed you, knowing limits to dodge Armando's rage.

Breathing, you finally sit up and fix your outfit, Terry's striking eyes dazed your mind again.

Fuck.

“I know what you're thinking. Do it.” Armando guided more instructions for both you and Richmond.

“Are you sure?” Your question asked, checking Aretas just in case.

“Yes. He'll leave in the morning.” Armando nodded.

“Okay, but where are the condoms?” Consenting once more, you sought protection for tonight.

“Be right back.” Moving upstairs, Armando winked toward you. “Have fun.”

Laughing, you rested your head on Terry's shoulder and cooled down.

“It was our idea. Getting everything out of my system before Armando crashes out.” Richmond gestured to the stairs.

“He won't crash out tomorrow.” Defending Aretas, you gasped and playfully nudged Terry's inked arm.

“Just know that we're still protective of you.” Terry almost smirked.

“Of course.” You agree with Richmond as Armando returns holding condoms.

______

“I love you.” Aretas waited in the kitchen and you kissed him as one silent vow, smiling to make his heart fly before leaving.

Back in the living room, you found Terry shirtless as he loosened your clothes, gifting deeper kisses as condoms set nearby.

“Want me to stop?” Terry's voice looked for your safety regardless.

“No.” You prompted absolute consent as he reached your hand.

Soon, clothes scrambled everywhere and Terry rolled the condom as planned, sitting on the couch for you.

“Ready?” Richmond held your waist and still looked for permission.

“Yes….” You mounted, whimpering through shock.

“I missed you.” His words remained genuine as Richmond took this moment.

“Baby, don't….” You slipped that nickname past tears of bliss when starting to ride.

“I know, fuck!” Terry gritted back when your small palms reached his chest. “Keep going before he walks in…”

“Mm…” Bodies shivered as you kissed Terry again, trying not to moan out loud.

As the coil found within your stomach began to unravel, you nearly lifted one hand to cover your mouth, hardly able to balance for this climax.

“Come…” Richmond's low voice prompted your attention.

“Oh…” Right when you spilled, kisses fell against your lips and muffled every cry.

You turned hollow when Terry pulled out, but he discarded the condom elsewhere and returned to hold you in his arms.

******

In the morning, Terry would leave after sharing breakfast.

“Last night was fun.” Your voice quietly teased both men.

“Still mine.” Armando flirted with you.

Gathering his backpack, Terry stepped out and drove away.

[cloveroctobers]

🎶 𝔴𝔥𝔢𝔫 𝔶𝔬𝔲’𝔯𝔢 𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔢! 🎶

~PART IV!~

Here are all works written during the superior SPOOKY season of 2024 🍁📜 🖤 💀

FAR FETCHED > Roman Reigns

SWEET DREAM > Terry Richmond

UPSIDE DOWN > [Multi] Armando Aretas, Angel Reyes, Cane Tejada, Terry Richmond, & Stella Kidd

SAVE YOUR BREATH > Armando Aretas

FEEL LIKE HOME > Dante Torres

FIRST LOVE > Jimmy Holiday

SYMPHONY > Boone

LITTLE DARK AGE > Bode Leone x reader x Fire Country

.𖥔 ݁ ˖🍁๋࣭ ⭑🍂༘⋆ .𖥔 ݁ ˖🍁๋࣭ ⭑🍂༘⋆ .𖥔 ݁ ˖🍁๋࣭ ⭑🍂༘⋆

A NOVEMBER EP 🧦 — SEPARATE FALL SLICES!

U CANT REMEMBER > Jimmy Holiday

CUT TIES > Terry Richmond

NO STRESS > Armando Aretas

OUTTA LUCK > Javi Rivera

~RANDOM FALL COLLECTION~

HOME > JJ Maybank

HOME [p2] ^ > JJ Maybank x oc x OBX

SWEETENER > [Multi] : Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Terry Richmond, Cane Tejada, & Barry (OBX)

| OTHER WORKS… |

FREE FALL > Dante Torres x oc x Manny Castillo

[salantami]

Urn Tomb, Petra, Jordan

The Urn Tomb is one of the most popular spots in the Petra Archeological Park. Like the other Royal Tombs right next to it, the Urn Tomb holds ancient Nabatean nobility, whose exact identity is still a matter of academic argument; most scientists think this one belongs to King Malchus II or King Aretas IV. What makes this tomb special? 

History of the Urn Tomb in Petra

The Urn Tomb was carved into the rock around 70 AD, long after the Nabateans were influenced by Hellenistic culture. Most of this site's archeology is from the second half of the 1st century, including the most famous piece - The Treasury of Petra (Al-Khazneh). 

This tomb is a good example of the combination of local and Greek designs: The tomb has an impressive 26 by 16.49-meter facade, and you'll have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the entrance. Inside you'll find a row of columns and a square, leading to the primary chamber

This square is known by the bedouins as Al-Mahkamah - the courtyard - and it is believed the place was used for trials in ancient times. The name Urn Tomb comes from a Jar crowning its pediment. The court's rear wall exposes another page in the tomb's history: an inscription etched in stone around 447 AD declares the place as a Byzantine church. During these times, the Urn Tombs were expanded with round niches. 

[massabios]

Este es el extraordinario Teatro de Petra, situado a 600 m del centro de Petra (Jordania 🇯🇴).

Este teatro tenía capacidad para unas 8500 personas, que acudían aquí para asistir a espectáculos culturales.

¿Puedes creer que la mayor parte fue tallada en una roca sólida?

Al parecer, el monumento fue excavado en la ladera de la montaña durante el reinado del rey Aretas IV (4 a.C.-27 d.C.). Sin embargo, los romanos reconstruyeron la pared posterior del escenario.

📷 por: Davydov Photography

[troybeecham]

Today the church commemorates the beheading of John the Forerunner, Martyr.

Ora pro nobis.

St. John (Yochanan - “YHWH is gracious”) was born roughly six months before his cousin Jesus (Yeshua - “YHWH saves”). The exact year of their births is complicated by several factors: there were multiple calendar systems of that era, uncertainty as to the date of death of Herod the Great (4-1 BC), and placing the dates of the census mentioned in the infancy narratives of Jesus. Today, scholars have a range of 6-1 BC. Most scholars place the year of their birth between 6-4 BC, accepting the date of Herod the Great’s death in 4 BC. Given that Herod ordered the death of all male children in Bethlehem ages two and under suggests that John and Jesus were possibly as old as two years, making the date of their birth closer to 6 BC. We will only know for sure when the Lord returns.

The Beheading of the Prophet, Forerunner of the Lord Jesus his cousin, John the Baptiser, is recounted by the Evangelists Matthew (Mt.14:1-12) and Mark (Mark 6:14-29), who provide accounts about the martyrdom of John the Baptist in the year 31/32 after the Birth of Christ (accepting that Jesus was crucified 32/33 AD).

Following the Baptism of the Lord, Saint John the Baptiser was locked up in prison by Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, the Tetrarch (ruler of one fourth of the Holy Land) and governor of Galilee. (After the death of king Herod the Great, the Romans divided the territory of Israel into four parts, and put a governor in charge of each part. Herod Antipas received Galilee from the emperor Augustus).

The prophet of God John openly denounced Herod Antipas for having left his lawful wife Phasaelis of Nabatea, the daughter of Aretas IV Philopatris, king of the Nabateans, and then cohabiting with Herodias, his full sister and the wife of and full sister of his brother Herod Philip (Luke 3:19-20). On his birthday, Herod Antipas made a feast for dignitaries, the elders, and a thousand chief citizens. Salome, his neice, the daughter of Herod Philip and Herodias, danced before the guests, and Herod Antipas, so filled with lust for her, he swore to give her whatever she would ask, up to half his kingdom.

The vile girl on the advice of her wicked mother Herodias asked that she be given the head of John the Baptiser on a platter. Herod became apprehensive, for he feared the wrath of God for the murder of a prophet, whom earlier he had heeded. He also feared the people, who loved the holy Forerunner. But because of the guests and his careless oath, he gave orders to cut off the head of Saint John and to give it to her.

Salome took the platter with the head of Saint John and gave it to her mother. The frenzied Herodias repeatedly stabbed the tongue of the prophet with a needle and buried his holy head in a unclean place. But the pious Joanna, wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, buried the head of John the Baptiser in an earthen vessel on the Mount of Olives, where Herod had a parcel of land. The holy body of John the Baptist was taken that night by his disciples and buried at Sebastia.

After the murder of Saint John the Baptist (31/31 AD), Herod Antipas continued to govern for a certain time. Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, later sent Jesus Christ to him, Whom he mocked (Luke 23:7-12).

Phasaelis fled to her father when she discovered her husband intended to divorce her in order to take a new wife, Herodias, mother of Salome. Aretas, enraged at the treatment of his daughter, invaded Herod Antipas' domain and defeated his army, partly because soldiers from the region of Herod Philip the Tetrarch (a third brother) gave assistance to King Aretas. Josephus does not identify these auxiliary troops (he calls them 'fugitives'), but Moses of Chorene identifies them as being the army of King Abgarus of Edessa. Antipas was able to escape only with the help of Roman forces.

Herod Antipas then appealed to Emperor Tiberius, who dispatched the governor of Syria, Lucius Vitellius the Elder, to attack Aretas. Vitellius gathered his legions and moved southward, stopping in Jerusalem for the passover of AD 37, when news of the emperor's death arrived. The invasion of Nabataea was never completed.

Ultimately, the judgment of God came upon Herod, Herodias, and Salome, even during their earthly life. Salome, crossing the River Sikoris in winter, fell through the ice. The ice gave way in such a way that her body was in the water, but her head was trapped above the ice. It was similar to how she once had danced with her feet upon the ground, but now she flailed helplessly in the icy water. Thus she was trapped until that time when the sharp ice cut through her neck. Her corpse was not found, but they brought the head to Herod and Herodias, as once they had brought them the head of Saint John the Baptiser.

After his defeat by Aretas, in 39 AD Herod Antipas was accused by his nephew Agrippa I of conspiracy against the Roman emperor Caligula (37-41 AD), who sent him into exile with Herodias in Gaul, and the to Spain, where, according to Josephus, he died at an unknown date.

In the martyrologies of almost all Churches, only Jesus Christ, Mary, and John have commemorations for both their birth and death.

Almighty God, who gave to your servant John boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

[bingwallpaper]

Petra, Jordan

Al-Khazneh, one of the ancient temples in Petra, Jordan, in Arabic translates to 'The Treasury'. For ages, Petra was hidden from the world, with only the Bedouin people aware of it because they lived in the surrounding desert. The Treasury was carved out of a single sandstone rock approximately 2,000 years ago by the Nabatean people, the original inhabitants of Petra. They were skilled architects who constructed an impressive network of cisterns, water channels and other amenities. Al-Khazneh is the epitome of Nabatean architecture, standing over 40 metres tall and boasting a mesmerisingly beautiful doorway with two towering columns and carvings that represent mythological creatures like sphinxes. It is believed that Nabatean King Aretas IV was laid to rest here.

[mostly-history]

Petra Amphitheatre (Jordan).

The amphitheatre is situated 600m from the centre of the city, positioned to bring the maximum number of tombs within view.  It was built along Roman lines during the reign of Aretas IV (9 BC – 40 AD), when large-scale civic constructions projects took place in Petra and other important Nabataean trading cities.

Most of it was carved out of solid rock (common for Nabataean architecture), but the stage and exterior walls were not.  The floral capitals are also a Nabataean feature.  There are three horizontal sections of seats, able to accommodate about 8,500 people, separated by passageways and seven staircases.

Malichus II (who succeeded Aretas IV) made minor alterations, and the Romans rebuilt the exterior wall.

[exploretraveler]

The Many Mysteries Of Petra In Jordan

The Many Mysteries Of Petra In Jordan

                                                    The City That Was Lost For Centuries

Petra, a city that was lost in the cleff of the rock, and hidden for years. Even today, without a guide, the way in is a mystery, and easy to defend. Her greatness is not questioned, but what is her destiny? Does she have a role to play in the end of time? Will she hide the remnant of Israel? Why has she…

[lutnistas]

 Al-Khazneh ( "The Treasury" ) -  Petra / Jordan 

[ancienthistoryart]

Medain Salih is a pre-Islamic archaeological site located in Medina Region, Saudi Arabia. Second largest city of Nabatean Kingdom during 1st century AD, under rule of Nabatean king Aretas IV Philopatris (9 BC– 40 CE), who made Madain Saleh kingdom's second capital, after Petra.

[superwings-cultural]

Architecture and Monuments: The City of Petra - Jordan

Petra , originally known to its inhabitants as Raqmu or Raqēmō  is a historic and archaeological city in southern Jordan. It is adjacent to the mountain of Jabal Al-Madbah, in a basin surrounded by mountains forming the eastern flank of the Arabah valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The area around Petra has been inhabited from as early as 7000 BC, and the Nabataeans might have settled in what would become the capital city of their kingdom as early as the 4th century BC.

The trading business gained the Nabataeans considerable revenue and Petra became the focus of their wealth. The Nabataeans were accustomed to living in the barren deserts, unlike their enemies, and were able to repel attacks by taking advantage of the area's mountainous terrain. They were particularly skillful in harvesting rainwater, agriculture and stone carving. Petra flourished in the 1st century AD, when its famous Al-Khazneh structure – believed to be the mausoleum of Nabataean king Aretas IV – was constructed, and its population peaked at an estimated 20,000 inhabitants. Although the Nabataean kingdom became a client state of the Roman Empire in the first century BC, it was only in 106 AD that it lost its independence. Petra fell to the Romans, who annexed Nabataea and renamed it as Arabia Petraea. Petra's importance declined as sea trade routes emerged, and after an earthquake in 363 destroyed many structures. In the Byzantine era several Christian churches were built, but the city continued to decline, and by the early Islamic era it was abandoned except for a handful of nomads. It remained unknown until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

Petra is a site located in a rocky cirque structured by several faults dug by wadis, which constitute the main communication routes. The main axis is the wadi Mousa, which crosses the site from east to west, first in the Sîq gorge ("the ditch") located to the east, whose entrance, preceded by the "Djinn tombs", was surmounted by a large arch, now collapsed. This gorge, crossing the Khubtha massif, was the main access route to Petra, and was paved in antiquity.

From its exit, where the Khazneh is located, the space widens. At this point there are many tombs as well as the theater. The course of Wadi Mousa changes its orientation to head north for a few hundred meters, before resuming its course on an east-west axis, where the center of Petra is located, with its main monumental complexes. This area is defended by walls on its more exposed northern and southern flanks, while the defense of the eastern and western sides does not pose any difficulties due to the narrowness of the access routes.

Since springs are scarce in this semi-desert region, rainwater, about 150 mm per year (today 50 to 250 mm), provided most of the needs. The local springs alone could only provide water for a few families. The Nabataeans built a system of water collection and redistribution, with rules for distribution to the inhabitants.

Petra, located in a basin, could collect rainwater from a 92 km basin thanks to the relative impermeability of the rocks. This low permeability of the soil nevertheless posed many problems, such as the triggering of seasonal floods of the wadis (winter and spring) that were very powerful and therefore destructive (especially the Wadi Moussa). Indeed, until it was diverted in the twentieth century, the watercourse of Wadi Moussa ("stream of Moses"), which flows from the source of Ain Moussa ("source of Moses") in the Sîq to the village of Gaia, was the source of deadly floods, as in 1963 when 24 French tourists drowned, surprised by the arrival of a monstrous wave. However, the danger of floods is not entirely removed: in November 2018 twelve people died in bad weather around Petra and 4,000 tourists had to be evacuated from the tourist site. There is also a "small Sîq" that joins the main Sîq near the royal tombs.

When the city was booming, water was used mainly for the consumption of the inhabitants and their livestock and, in a later phase, for watering the gardens. Cereals, such as barley and wheat, fruit trees and vines were probably cultivated in Petra. Presses carved into the rock have been found, probably dating from the period of Roman rule, which gave wine great importance.

Petra has a long history and its valley is particularly prized for its ease of defense. The first inhabitants were prehistoric. There are some material traces of dwellings used by them not far from Petra. It is from around 1200 BC that the place begins to be inhabited. Then, a few centuries before our era, during the Nabatean period, a city was developed, mostly dug in the rock. The Nabatean civilization settled there for several centuries, until the Roman period. After the Byzantine period, the site was practically abandoned. The scarcity of sources for this last period makes it difficult to reconstruct the history of the city. There are still a few written traces dating from the Middle Ages, after which the city is forgotten.

Originally, the Nabataeans being a nomadic people, their buildings were simple goatskin tents established along the Wadi Musa around the 4th century BC.

These temporary camps were replaced over the next two centuries by very simple dwellings carved out of the rock: with smooth facades, they had a doorway excavated in the lower part with one or two staircase-shaped cut-outs. This Nabataean sedentarization is expressed in buildings that are an adaptation of the Syrian tombs; being in constant contact with the surrounding civilizations, they were inspired by the style of several of them, in particular Alexandria.

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Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. The members of this civilization proved to be early experts in manipulating water technology, constructing intricate tunnels and water chambers, which helped create an pseudo-oasis. A number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4,000-seat amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery have also helped the site earn its fame.