The Arabian Peninsula became a site of diverse artistic production ranging from intricate mosaics to monumental stone carvings.
1st century–6th century C.E.
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Pre-Islamic Arabia
One feature of pre-Islamic Arabia was the combination of cultures, languages and artistic traditions.
Al-Hijr (Madâin Sâlih)
Formerly known as Hegra it is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan
Petra: The rose red city of the Nabataeans
The ancient Nabateans cut Petra, their monumental city, from cliffs of rose red stone.
Petra: UNESCO Siq Project
The Siq, Petra’s canyon entrance, is cracking. The cliffs threaten to fall, and scientists race to find a solution.
Petra: urban metropolis
These structures could only have been made in Petra, where Greek and eastern traditions were combined.
Petra: rock-cut façades
More than tombs? Scholars once thought Petra was only a large necropolis, but archaeology shows it was much more.
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