The International North-Eastern Petra Project

Preliminary Report on the 2013 Season

by Stephan G. Schmid, Zbigniew T. Fiema and Bernhard Kolb

IV. General observations

Although the survey of the NEPP area is not yet completed, some general observations can be presented here in order to underline the importance of the site. The NEPP area, located between the Wadi Mousa and the Wadi Mattaha, at the W foot of the el-Khubta massif, is probably the most prominent location within the entire city of Petra For some additional elements and observations see Schmid – Bienkowski – Fiema – Kolb 2012. . As we have already pointed out in 2011, it is directly served by one of the six fresh water aqueducts. Further, the highly efficient water catchment system of the el-Khubta massif provides additional large quantities of water. Therefore, with regard to water availability and management, the NEPP area is unique in the entire Petra Valley, with the most direct access to considerable quantities of spring and collected rain water.

Similarly, the NEPP area enjoys a unique geo-strategic location in the valley. The site clearly dominates the entire city centre, being located high above the main communication axes. From the top of the area, one has an excellent view deep into the outer Siq, all along the Wadi Mousa depression and the Colonnaded Street, up to the Qasr el-Bint and el-Khabis. The argument of the visibility also works in reversed directions: the NEPP area is visible from all over the city centre; it clearly is the most prominent part of it. Further, this part of the city forms a separate unit, due to its situation between the two wadis and the el-Khubta massif. This would mean a significant degree of security and an excellent defensibility of the area, strengthened by the fact that the ceremonial stairs leading to the el-Khubta high place might also be used as an emergency escape route from the valley.

The monumental character of some structures at the site has already been emphasized. Furthermore, the wealth of the architectural decoration present in these structures is apparent. Also, the pottery collected during the survey includes a considerable quantity of what must be considered pottery of a certain elite. For example, imported terra sigillata ware found on the surface during the first two seasons of survey was more numerous that the quantities found during ten excavation seasons at az-Zantur For terra sigillata from az-Zantur see Schneider 1996. .

All these arguments would prompt a conclusion that the NEPP area could be identified with the Nabataean royal quarters. The overall location and characteristics of the area, i.e., being a large sector separated from the rest of the city, and enjoying clear advantages, in terms of water supply, visibility, defensibility, access, etc., strongly resemble the basileia – the royal quarters – in Hellenistic capitals such as Alexandria in Egypt, Antioch on the Orontes, Aï Khanoum in modern Afghanistan and others See in general terms Hoefpner and Brands 1996; Held 2002. . Furthermore, what is particularly striking in case of the presumed basileia in Petra, is the skilful and purposeful utilization of the combined natural and social landscape. The high ground and relatively disarticulated, often very difficult, steep terrain were most successfully adapted, through the massive use of retaining walls and artificial terracing, in order to create a highly attractive and far from monotonous residential area for the Nabataean royalty. The result, however, is not overwhelming. In fact, the monumentality, often emphasized in this report, lay not necessarily in the specific structures built at the site but rather in the overall development and design of the entire area. This brings in the social landscape. The basileia in Petra are to be understood as a diverse complex which, in addition to representational, monumental structures, such as Structure 2, also contains smaller, more private units, such as separate rooms, pavilions, porticoes, basins and pools, enclosures, water installations, etc. This diversity reflects not only the differing function but also may represent different social classes of individuals utilizing these structures, from the Nabataean royalty, down to the administrators, servants and visitors. The Nabataean basileia are not only a monument of the royal might and power which utilizes fashionable Hellenistic-Early Roman architectural designs but they also may be understood in terms of a virtual microcosm of the Nabataean world, which combines the official and utilitarian with the fashionable, pleasing and traditional aspects. In short, the architectural complex in the NEPP survey area should be considered as one of the most important monuments of the Nabataean culture and society.