The ancient city of Petra, located in present-day Jordan, was established as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom around the 6th century BC. Renowned for its rock-cut architecture and advanced water management systems, Petra thrived as a vital trade hub along caravan routes linking the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, and the Mediterranean region. Notable structures such as the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery (Ad Deir), and the Siq — a narrow gorge leading into the city — reflect the Nabateans' architectural skill and cultural influence. Petra began to decline in the 3rd century AD due to shifts in trade routes and a series of earthquakes, eventually leading to its abandonment. It was rediscovered by the Western world in the early 19th century. In 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was later named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.