Synopsis
Petra Revealed: History, Civilization and Monuments of the City Carved into the Rock by Fabio Bourbon is a comprehensive exploration of one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, the ancient city of Petra in modern-day Jordan. Authored by a noted expert in ancient civilizations with a background in classics, this revised and expanded edition serves as both an informative guide for tourists and a richly detailed resource for armchair travelers. Bourbon’s deep passion for Petra shines through in his meticulous narrative, which weaves together the city’s historical significance, cultural achievements, and architectural splendor. The book is distinguished by its updated text and an extensive visual apparatus, including over 350 photographs, maps, drawings, plans, and previously unpublished digital reconstructions, all of which vividly bring the Rose City—named for its striking red sandstone—to life. Through these elements, Bourbon aims to illuminate Petra’s unique place in the world of archaeological wonders, offering readers a window into a civilization that thrived over 2,000 years ago.
The book begins with a historical introduction that sets the stage for Petra’s emergence as the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, a nomadic Arab tribe renowned for their engineering, agriculture, trading, and stone-carving prowess. Bourbon delves into the mystery of why these desert traders chose to settle in one place, transforming a harsh, barren landscape into a thriving urban center. He explores the Nabataeans’ sophisticated hydraulic system, which included rock-cut channels, cisterns, and underground pipes that sustained fertile crops, lush gardens, and public pools in the middle of the Jordanian desert. The narrative covers Petra’s strategic importance as a hub of ancient trade routes, connecting the Near East and facilitating the exchange of spices and goods. Bourbon also examines the city’s social fabric, religious beliefs, and architectural models, highlighting the influence of Greek and Roman styles in its monumental structures, such as the grand columns, staircases, and classical statues carved directly into the sandstone cliffs.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to a detailed tour of Petra’s key monuments and regions, guiding readers through the city’s dramatic landscape. Bourbon describes the journey from Bab El Siq, the entrance to the city, through the Siq, a narrow, winding gorge that serves as a natural gateway to the iconic Khazneh (The Pharaoh’s Treasury). He provides in-depth analyses of the Royal Tombs, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb, as well as other significant sites like the Deir (The Monastery), the Colonnaded Street, and the Temenos. Each section is accompanied by vivid photographs and schematic drawings that illustrate both the current state of the ruins and their hypothesized original appearances. Bourbon also addresses the urban structure of Petra, its Byzantine religious buildings, and lesser-known areas like Little Petra and Wadi Farasa, offering practical information for visitors alongside scholarly insights.
While the book excels in its visual and descriptive richness, it has sparked varied reactions among readers. Some praise its breathtaking photography and informative content, noting that it far exceeds expectations as a coffee-table book with scholarly depth. Others, however, critique Bourbon’s writing style, finding his attempts at poetic prose overly florid or his historical interpretations, such as treating biblical figures like Moses as factual, contentious. Additionally, certain readers have expressed disappointment with the book’s focus on the perspectives of European explorers, feeling it sidelines the lived experiences of the Nabataeans themselves. Despite these criticisms, Bourbon’s work remains a valuable resource for those seeking to understand Petra’s enduring allure. The book concludes with a glossary and practical advice for travelers, making it a versatile companion for both academic study and on-site exploration of this extraordinary city carved into the rock.