11 Stunning Cities Built on Ancient Civilizations

8. Petra

Petra, often referred to as the Rose City due to the color of its stone, is an archaeological wonder that was once the thriving capital of the Nabataean kingdom. Hidden within the rugged mountains of southern Jordan, Petra is a testament to the ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants, who carved intricate structures and tombs into the rose-red cliffs. The city's most iconic structure, Al-Khazneh—or, The Treasury—greets visitors with its grand facade, a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture. Petra's strategic location along ancient trade routes made it a bustling hub of commerce and culture, where traders from across the ancient world exchanged goods and ideas. The city's complex water management system is a marvel of engineering, showcasing the Nabataeans' ability to adapt to their arid environment. Today, Petra stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Nabataeans, in testimony of their creativity and resilience.