The Petra ruins were discovered by Johann Burckhardt in 1812. The following things were found: temples, palaces, homes and theaters. All of the buildings were carved in varying shades of pink limestone.

Learning Objectives of the Petra Unit:

• Learn about the peoples of Petra , Jordan : the creators and conquerors of the ancient city and their impact on the environment of their canyon.
• Learn about the importance of water and how water was used through history (for dams, pools, gardens, drinking and irrigation).
• Learn how a desert was transformed into fertile ground.
• Learn and review the Passive Voice, Present Prefect Aspect, and the Past Perfect Aspect in English grammar.
• Learn the vocabulary which is presented in this unit.

Special Vocabulary:

• Antiquities - buildings or smaller objects from ancient times

• Canyon - a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it

Context: The ancient city of Petra is situated in a canyon, which was created by the Wadi Musa River . Unlike the Black Canyon or Three Gorges in China , the city of Petra is built inside a dry canyon. The streams and river that created this canyon millions of years ago no longer exist. The entire area is now a dry desert.

• Ruins - the remains of something destroyed

Context: The ancient city of Petra was held by Nabataeans , Romans, Muslims and Crusaders throughout history. Presently, the ruins of the ancient city are in Southwest Jordan .

• Irrigate - to supply water by artificial means

Context: During the Nabataean period, dry land was irrigated and much food was grown.

• Aqueduct - a channel for carrying a large quantity of flowing water

Context: The ancient city of Petra was supplied with water flowing from nearby springs through aqueducts (channels and pipes) which were created by the Nabataeans .

• Deforestation - the process of destroying forests

Context: In pre-historic times, parts of the Petra region were covered with thick forests. When Petra was occupied by different peoples ( Nabataeans , Romans, Muslims and others), deforestation occurred. The wood was used for fortification, heating, and other things. Over time, the entire area was converted into a desert.

• Semite - A people of Caucasian origins which is now comprised chiefly of Jews and Arabs

Context: Jews and Muslims, most of whom were Semites, had an abstract concept of God.

• Hellenism - the civilization and culture of ancient Greece

Context: Hellenism was brought to the Middle East by Alexander the Great.

• Runnel - a narrow channel or course of water

Context: Nabataeans are known for their excellent engineering skills in building dams, runnels, diversion channels, etc.

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COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. Where is Petra?

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2. Who built Petra?

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3. When did the Romans capture Petra?

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4. When did the Muslims capture Petra?

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5. When did the Crusaders conquer Petra?

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6. Who discovered Petra in modern times? When was this?

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7. What color are all the buildings in Petra?

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8. What is the name of the river that formed the canyon where Petra is?

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9. Is the area around Petra a fertile area or a dry desert?

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10. Which of the following people succeeded in irrigating the area around Petra : the Crusaders, the Nabataeans , the Romans, the Muslims ?

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11. What happened to the ancient forests around Petra ?

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12. Who brought Greek culture to the Middle East?

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Please fill in the correct words:

1. Ancient buildings and objects are called ________________________________

2. A canyon is a deep ________________________________

3. Today, the two main Semetic people in the world are the ___________________________

and the _________________

READ AND THINK

1. Did you ever hear about Petra before starting this unit? __________

2. Have you ever visited the Middle East? __________

3. Would you like to visit the Middle East? (Why? Why not?)

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4. Where you live, is there enough water for everyone? __________

5. How do people who live in deserts get the water that they need?

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6. Do you think that you will be interested in reading about Petra ? __________

7. What type of people will be the most interested in reading about Petra ?

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PEOPLE, PLACES, LANGUAGES, AND CULTURES