Petra: Lost City of Stone

One of the great archaeological discoveries in the Holy land is the city of Petra.

Petra is known for many significant things. For one, it was the primary city that the early Christians fled to following Jesus' instructions to escape the first century Roman destruction of Jerusalem.

For another, it is called the City of Stone. It has some absolutely stunning structures chiseled into the sandstone bluffs which are in the city's boundaries. Several freestanding temples and nearly 3,000 rock-cut tombs, dwellings, banquet halls, altars and niches make up the amazing structures.

Today's FamilyFirst pick is the American Museum of Natural History's online exhibition Petra: Lost City of Stone.

Read about the rediscovery of Petra in the nineteenth century, and check out the images of its amazing rock structures. Also, read up on the history of this once-essential trade location that fell victim to changing trade routes, in much the same way taht towns have suffered when highways have bypassed them.

Take a trip WAY back in time with today's FamilyFirst pick.

http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/petra/

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