Qasr al-Bint, Nabataean temple in Petra, Jordan.
Qasr al-Bint is a free-standing stone temple in Petra that rises about 23 meters high. Its walls are made from limestone blocks joined with wooden beams, creating a structure designed to withstand the stresses of time and nature.
The building was constructed around 30 BCE and served as the main sanctuary of ancient Petra. It survived centuries of earthquakes and decay to remain one of the few standing major structures from this vanished city.
The temple shows how the Nabataeans expressed their worship while representing their connections to neighboring cultures. The blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles reflects the cosmopolitan life that existed in this trading city.
The temple is reached by following the wide colonnaded street that runs through central Petra. The site has little shade, so bring water and plan to rest during the hottest part of the day.
The walls are layered with wooden beams that allow the structure to move during earthquakes rather than crack. This ancient construction method is noteworthy because it gave the temple stability over two thousand years.
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