Green Petra: archaeological explorations in the city's northern wadis

Petra is known for its monumental rock-cut architecture and seemingly miraculous existence within a forbidding desert environment. It has also long been hailed as a ‘caravan city’. We argue that Petra's emplacement in its immediate landscape should be a source of equal wonder and interest. This study analyses archaeological remains in two wadis at the northern edge of the urban centre of Petra — known as Wadi Ma‘aysra East and Wadi Ma‘aysra West — to illustrate the nature and pervasiveness of local topographic manipulations. We argue that the dynamic landscapes of these wadis were a significant part of Petra's urban fabric: they facilitated movement in and out of the city, sustained intensive cultivation and were charged with ritual significance.