7. Petra.
Contrary to what many might assume, Petra is indeed a biblical location. However, the ancient Nabatean city is not mentioned in the Bible by that name; it is rather called by its Hebrew name, Sela, in Isaiah 16:1 and 2 Kings 14:7. Both names, Petra and Sela, mean “rock,” obviously referring to the fact that most of this astounding city is carved into sandstone cliffs. One of this cliffs, Jabal Harun, is said to be Aaron’s tomb. According to biblical tradition, Petra was in the land of the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, Isaac’s son. More than 150 papyri were once found in Petra’s famous Byzantine Church, built as early as in the 2nd century. Consumed by a fire in the 7th century, its remains are still impressive.
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