Al-Khazneh (the Treasury), Petra, Jordan

© WitthayaP/Shutterstoc

A temple to treasure

Al-Khazneh, one of the ancient temples in Petra, Jordan, in Arabic translates to 'The Treasury.' For ages, Petra was hidden from the world, with only the Bedouin people aware of it because they lived in the surrounding desert. The Treasury was carved out of a single sandstone rock approximately 2,000 years ago by the Nabatean people, the original inhabitants of Petra. They were skilled architects who constructed an impressive network of cisterns, water channels, and other amenities. Al-Khazneh is the epitome of Nabatean architecture, standing almost 43 metres tall and has a mesmerisingly beautiful doorway with two towering columns and carvings that represent mythological creatures like sphinxes. It is believed that Nabatean King Aretas IV was laid to rest here.