The Ancient Nabataean City of Hegra

As the shifting sands of time move endlessly across the desert; as the rainforests spread their tentacles across the South American forests, archaeologists search for unique ways to uncover the timeless historic sites that contain the almost endless source of our ancestor's secrets. Secrets that reveal a 'time' of remarkable achievements that we are still at a loss to explain.

One such city lies 300 miles south of the famous lost city of Petra. Dating back to the 2^nd century B.C. and located in what is now the Saudi Arabian province of al-Madinah lies what we believe was the second largest Nabataean city. Hagra (translation "rocky tract") contains over 6 miles of mud brick buildings and some amazing rock-cut tombs similar to those I explored last year in Petra. Unlike Petra however there are no surrounding canyons, simply the open landscape at the foot of the Hedjaz Mountains in the Saudi Arabian province of al-Midinah, and known today as Mada'in Salih.

There are 93 monumental tombs with façade's similar to those I experienced in Petra, but unlike its sister city, the tombs at Hagra have detailed inscriptions that identify the original owners and the punishments that will befall anyone who defiles them! There are some 600-tomb facades in Petra however only one inscription has been found, compared to the 33 that bear inscriptions at Hagra.

Petra, located in the canyons of Jordan, was the capitol city of the Nabataean empire of which we know so little. These Arabic speaking nomads were the backbone of the long distance caravan trade that extended from Saudi Arabia to the shores of the Mediterranean carrying silks, incense and perfumes.

It is the unique color of the surrounding rock that leaves a lasting impression as you walk in awe around the monumental facades that are Petra. It has been described as not only an archaeological wonder but a place of mind! Time seems to flow at a different pace as you immerse yourself in the backdrop for "Indiana Jones and the Las Crusade" Steven Spielberg's adventure epic which, as all 'Indi' fans know was filmed here.

My senior years now restrict my archaeological activities however there are few locations that I would like to spend more time than this amazing area. Only the mysterious Island of Malta, in my opinion hold a greater assortment of undiscovered secrets, and provide the inquisitive tourist with easy access to untold surprises.
Life is a journey of discovery - enjoy!
Dr. Peter J. Shield PhD (http://worldofunexplainedmysteries.com )