The Rise and Fall with Trade
“Petra, a rose – red city, half as old as time.” Petra’s fame, in part, owes to the poem “To Petra” created by the British poet John Burgon in 1845. Today, when Petra is mentioned, one might think of the Holy Grail’s location in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, the burial place of the Primes in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”, as well as in games like “Civilization VI” and “Overwatch”. Petra has become increasingly well – known, yet there are still numerous mysteries surrounding it waiting to be unraveled.

Petra was a significant node on the ancient Silk Road. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, “The fame of the Nabataean Kingdom reached as far as the Han Dynasty in China, where Petra was called ‘Li Kan’ (transliteration).” Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, with a population of twenty to thirty thousand during its heyday. Another possibility is presented in “Weilüe – Xirongzhuan”: “To the south of Qielan and Fanfu, there are Jishi. To the south of Jishi, there is a great sea, from which corals and pearls come.” “Weilüe – Xirongzhuan” records the mission of Gan Ying sent by Ban Chao, the Protector – General of the Western Regions in the 9th year of Emperor He of the Han Dynasty (97 AD). The “great sea” here is believed to be the Red Sea. By reverse inference, “Jishi” is likely to refer to Petra, as “petra” means rock. Moreover, around 97 AD was precisely when Petra gained great international fame.

In any case, Petra was located at the intersection of several precious trade routes connecting China, India, the Arabian region, and the Mediterranean area, making its geographical position extremely important. This was one of the reasons why the Nabataeans chose it as their capital.

The Nabataeans were a nomadic people who emerged on the Arabian Peninsula around 400 BC. In the following centuries, the Nabataeans, with their knowledge of the desert, served as “desert porters”, transporting large quantities of frankincense, myrrh, spices, and Dead Sea asphalt. Later, they monopolized the long desert trade routes and taxed passing camel caravans. These caravans could stop at the resting points provided by them to obtain water supplies. Although the Nabataeans became wealthy and spent a huge amount of money to build the magnificent Petra, not everyone recognized them. The ancient Roman historian Diodorus described the Nabataeans as “plunderers” and “pirates”.

We know very little about the Nabataeans as they did not leave much of their own written history. In 107 AD, the Romans incorporated Petra into their rapidly expanding empire. In the 3rd century AD, international trade routes gradually shifted to the sea, and Petra, as a land transportation hub, began to decline. The Nabataeans quickly disappeared into the sands of history, and where they went remains a mystery. However, today’s Petra has become an eternal witness to the great power, abundant wealth, and elegant culture of the Nabataeans.

The Magnificent Khazneh Temple
The Siq is the only entrance to Petra. This winding and cliff – lined passage is about 1.5 kilometers long, 2 – 7 meters wide, and the cliff walls on both sides are up to 80 meters high. After walking through the highly oppressive Siq, what greets you is the Khazneh Temple, which is nearly 40 meters high and embedded in the cliff wall. Under the huge visual impact, almost every first – time visitor here will have the same shocked expression. But did the Nabataeans build such a magnificent Khazneh Temple just for show and to intimidate?

The Khazneh Temple means the Treasury of the Pharaoh. The Bedouins living in this desert believe that it was once the treasure – hiding place of the Egyptian pharaohs. This is also the main reason why the Bedouins intentionally hid it from outsiders after Petra’s decline. In fact, the Khazneh Temple was not built by the Egyptians, nor is it a treasury. The Nabataeans chiseled it bit by bit on the vertical cliff with simple tools such as pickaxes and long – handled axes.

This was a massive project. The Nabataeans reversed the traditional bottom – up construction method. First, they chiseled a flat “stone canvas” on the uneven cliff wall, and then carefully carved the appearance of the temple from top to bottom. Starting construction at a height of about 40 meters was already difficult, and they also had to ensure that there were no mistakes during the carving process. The facade of the temple is carved with god – like figures, as well as animals, leaves, and flowers. It can be clearly seen that it combines the architectural styles of Greece, Rome, etc. Some people believe that the Nabataean Kingdom was showing its friendly and open – minded attitude to the outside world.

Perhaps there’s more to it. The Nabataeans were described as “nouveau riche” in history. A more reasonable inference is that they were no longer satisfied with being the absolute kings of desert trade but also hoped to secure a more fitting and important position on the international stage. Therefore, they were more like using the Khazneh Temple and Petra to proclaim their powerful rise to the world.

Apart from the possible symbolic meaning, what is the use of the Khazneh Temple? Is the answer inside the temple? Tourists are now no longer allowed to enter the temple. However, documentaries about Petra show that compared to the magnificent exterior, the interior of the temple is surprisingly small, empty, and plain.

It was not until a significant archaeological discovery in 2003 that people seemed to get closer to the truth. Through excavations under the temple, archaeologists discovered 4 tombs and 11 human remains. After analyzing the funerary objects, they believed that the Khazneh Temple might have been built during the reign of Aretas IV. Aretas IV’s reign was roughly from 9 BC to 40 AD. Under his rule, the Nabataean Kingdom reached a peak, and more than 80% of the Nabataean coins were stamped with Aretas IV’s portrait. But whose tomb the Khazneh Temple is, whether Aretas IV’s or that of a royal family member, requires more evidence.

The Mastery of Water Management
When visiting Petra, merely admiring its magnificent architecture is far from enough. The Nabataeans were not only great architects but also had great achievements in the field of water conservancy. It can even be said that the water resource management system is the Nabataeans’ greatest achievement.

In the formation and development of ancient civilizations, water is an essential element, especially for the Nabataeans who survived in the desert. Petra is surrounded by mountains and is at the lowest point among them. During the rainy season from November to March each year, rainwater from all directions can converge here. Collecting all of it can provide water for the daily use of the people. However, this also brings the risk of flooding. The most recent one was in December 2022, when the surging mountain torrent, carrying gravel, rushed through the Siq and directly reached the entrance of the Khazneh Temple.

The Nabataeans were well aware of this. They established a complete set of water collection, management, and storage systems using canals, ceramic pipes, and underground reservoirs, directly transporting almost every drop of surface water in the surrounding area to Petra. The best – preserved one today is an 8 – kilometer – long ceramic pipeline. It consists of tens of thousands of handmade ceramic pipes, and the joints are glued with waterproof cement. Moreover, this pipeline always maintains an inclination of about two degrees, so that the water pressure will not be so great as to cause the pipeline to burst.

In addition, on the outskirts of the city, the Nabataeans built dams to change the river course. In the city, they used terraces to block the runoff on the hillside. There are also hundreds of reservoirs and water tanks for water purification and pressurization.

Such water – control ability became the Nabataeans’ trump card in dominating the desert. On the trade routes they controlled, they collected and stored water through secret water – collection systems and provided it to passing caravans, thus earning huge profits. The ancient Greek scholar Herodotus mentioned in his “Histories” that he believed the Nabataeans could find water anywhere in the desert.

Today, these water – storage systems are still scattered throughout the desert, and a large part of them has not yet been discovered. The same is true for Petra. Since the Swiss explorer Burckhardt 冒险 discovered this ancient city in 1812, Petra’s charm has never waned, and the excavation work on it continues, with more unknowns still lying beneath the surface.

Straw-Hatted Locals and the Timeless Streets of Cuenca
Nestled in the Andean valleys of South America, the ancient city of Cuenca where four rivers interlace amidst soaring mountains, is a green tapestry speckled with terracotta-tiled homes. Despite its proximity to the equator, perpetual spring graces Cuenca, a privilege bequeathed by its formidable altitude above 2500 meters. Standing as a silent witness to Ecuador’s yesteryears, Cuenca endears itself to visitors as a classical beauty, narrating tales of former splendor and present tranquility with elegant poise.

Echoes of the Incas:

Tombebamba: The Incan Stronghold
Cuenca’s tapestry stretches back to the pre-Columbian era, initially home to the Canari tribe among other indigenous Andean groups, who regarded it as Guapondeleg – “as wide as the heavens”. With the fertile trinity of benign climate, rich soil, and abundant water, they cultivated crops like potatoes, melloco, and quinoa, and reared animals such as guinea pigs and llamas with astute acumen.

The Inca’s imperial march in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries enveloped the region, renaming the city Tombebamba and leaving an indelible mark on local culture and social structure. Although they introduced their religion, language, construction techniques, and road systems, they wisely preserved the Canari’s astronomical and agricultural feats.

During Inca reign, Tombebamba became a nexus for communication and exchange, lacking horses or oxen, roads thrummed with messengers and porters on foot. Yet, by the Spaniards’ advent, all that remained were ruins, a stark contrast to local lore of grandeur. Historical conjecture still puzzles over Tombebamba’s decline.

By 1557, the Spaniards thrust deep into the Andean valleys, founding Cuenca atop Tombebamba’s remains, named affectionately after a town in their homeland.

Urban Chronicles:

The City of Grids
For centuries, construction in Cuenca has adhered strictly to the rectilinear urban planning championed by the Spanish monarchy. This checkerboard township made efficient use of space with streets laid out in orderly clarity – an arrangement that caters to ease of navigation and civic management. Today, the historical core still boasts its inaugural cityscape and colonial Spanish architecture, securing its UNESCO World Heritage accolade in 1999.

Taking an impromptu “city walk” along Cuenca’s verdant streets is a youthful, immersive way to traverse the city’s old-world charm. One’s every step reverberates with the history etched into cobblestones, while stoic Western edifices divulge their elegance – beckoning onlookers to savor the legacy and romance embedded within.

A flash of vibrant red marks the Azuay Province Courthouse, a luminary highlight on our promenade, its vast transparent dome a conduit for sunlight to kins in silent reverence. Northwards, the solemn silhouette of the Municipal Palace presents not only narratives of Cuenca’s denizens within its galleries but also serves as a continuum linking bygone epochs to the impending future.

In the splendor of Calderon Park, the meticulous arrangement of flower beds and verdant canopies surrounding crystalline fountains bloom into a tableau of vivacity. The statue of Abdon Calderon stands within, immortalizing the hero of Ecuador’s struggle for independence and enjoining posterity to honor their historical legacy.

Venturing westward from Calderon Park welcomes the gaze to Cuenca’s signature landmark – the New Cathedral. Constructed beginning in 1885 and achieving completion nearly a century later in 1975, despite a design miscalculation that necessitated the bell towers be halved in height, its charm and significance remain undiminished. Its blue and white domes exude a refreshing elegance.

Leaving a Piece of History Behind:

The Esteemed Panama Hat
Just a stone’s throw from Cuenca, South America’s Andean valleys cradle more hidden marvels. Ingapirca, two hours away, is among Ecuador’s most awe-inspiring Incan relics. Here, the blended architectural styles bear testimony to Canari and Incan cultural syntheses.

The Temple of the Sun at Ingapirca, a monolith amidst the vestiges of time, not only symbolizes the Incans’ veneration for the celestial and their proclaimed divine lineage but also the apex of Incan architectural artistry. This temple, commissioned by the ninth Incan Emperor, doubles as a hallowed site for religious ceremonies and an observatory.

Its elliptical structure—a rarity in Incan masonry—aligns with the Canari’s lunar venerations, while its 28 carved niches ingeniously mirror the Incan lunar calendar, keenly guiding agriculture with the moon’s phases. Inca’s famed trapezoidal doorways and mortarless stonework achieve precision that defies the ages.

For nature and ecology enthusiasts, the adjacent Cajas National Park emerges as an obligatory exploration. Originating from glacial mountaintops, the Tomebamba River and its tributaries converge here, birthing over 200 highland lakes. Cajas is a sanctuary for flora and over a hundred avian species, presenting a theatre of spectacular natural beauty and rich biodiversity for relaxation and adventurous activities alike.

Before parting with Cuenca, consider acquiring a Panama hat – ironically of Ecuadorian provenance, and for which Cuenca is famed. Fashioned from natural materials, these hats fuse lightweight comfort with style, a timeless memento for globetrotters.

The Resplendent Heritage of the University of Oxford
Oxford, home to the English-speaking world’s oldest university, the University of Oxford, has shaped notable personalities across all societal spheres. Thinkers like economist Adam Smith to Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer known for “The Phantom of the Opera,” all share the pedigree of this venerable institution. Strolling through the city, one is enveloped by the ambiance unique to this ancient academic town, where timeworn architecture stands as a living testament to a profound legacy.

Christ Church College:

A Nodal Point for Harry Potter Enthusiasts
Christ Church College, part of Oxford University, also serves as a filming location and source of inspiration for the Harry Potter films. For fans, like ‘Phoebe,’ a visit to Oxford is an eagerly anticipated dream come true—the ultimate pilgrimage.

Getting to Oxford:

London to Oxford Transport Options
Reaching Oxford from London offers options: Megabus or train. Each has the potential for early bird discounts. Let’s draw a brief comparison:

Bus: Early bird fares as low as £1, a direct journey of about 100 minutes departing from Victoria Coach Station.
Train: Starting at £10 for early birds, around a 60-minute ride, multiple stations to choose from within London’s vicinity.

Without the availability of early bird bus tickets and the train fare being reasonably comparable, we opted for the time-efficient train journey.

Pro Tip for Train Travel:
For those planning to traverse multiple UK cities by train, consider purchasing a BritRail Pass for significant savings. Detailed guides on navigating UK’s trains can be found through resources such as “UK Rail Travel Strategies.”

My Day in Oxford Itinerary:

Morning Ambles and Afternoon Wonders

• Morning: Carfax Tower and a photographic detour at Oxford Town Hall leads to a delightful ice cream treat at George & Danver, followed by a quest for Harry Potter scenes within Christ Church and a souvenir spree at Alice’s Shop. The journey continues through Oxford’s Covered Market for a lunchtime feast.
• Afternoon: Radcliffe Square becomes the centerpiece of the visit, showcasing the magnificent architecture of University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Radcliffe Camera, and Bodleian Library, then to the hushed reflections on the Bridge of Sighs followed by Magdalen College, and completing with the historic Oxford Castle.

A planned one-day visit to Oxford allows for a sweeping excursion to its key attractions, striking a balance between depth and breadth, an itinerary of seven hours, finding it just about perfect.

Oxford’s Heart:

A Meandering Discovery Journey
Starting from the railway station, our path soon brought us to the iconic Great Hall, heavily associated with Harry Potter’s magical world. Wending our way through the city on foot, historical landmarks unfolded almost immediately.

• Carfax Tower: At the crossroads of Oxford’s Old Town, a beacon without pretense but rich in bygone religious significance.
• Oxford Town Hall: A stunning edifice housing both the city’s administration and museum, caught in the midday backlight that challenges photographers.

A Culinary Pause:

George & Danver’s Cool Delight
Our itinerary then led us past the famous George & Danver, known for its myriad ice cream flavors. Despite a whimsical hiccup with their freezer, the charm of the attempt remained.

Christ Church and Beyond:

The Dream of Hogwarts Realized
The Christ Church experience beckons with its immersive Hogwarts ambiance. Not just the resplendence of the Dining Hall, inspired by and for Hogwarts, but the entire college radiates an aura of ancient grandeur and academic rigor.

Literary Echos:

In Pursuit of Alice
At Christ Church, where the author of Alice in Wonderland lectured, fans can delve into the world of Alice at the directly opposite Alice’s Shop, a trove of themed memorabilia.

Oxford’s Covered Market:

A Gastronomic Treasure Trove
Post-Christ Church, a culinary hunt in the Covered Market satiates the appetite, delivers the famed Ben’s Cookies, and serves up an anecdotal experience with ‘special’ European ingredients amid floral romance.

Architectural Majesty:

Radcliffe Square’s Historic Ensemble
A stone’s throw from the market, Radcliffe Square presents Oxford’s architectural gems, from the University Church of St Mary the Virgin to Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library—an architectural digest of Oxford’s essence, dulled slightly by the press of tourism.

The City of Dreaming Spires:

Winding Through Oxford’s Wynds
Escaping the tourist throng, the discovery of Oxford’s collegiate life unfolds, a gentle pursuit through the city’s nooks and crannies, punctuated by quaint accommodations, vibrant student life, and the academic pursuit amid Oxford’s ancestral fabric.

Magdalen College: A breathtaking finale, where the nickname “The city of dreaming spires” seems to originate, as Magdalen College and its environs reveal a panorama straight out of a medieval painting.

Concluding Thoughts:

Oxford’s Lasting Impression
With the day coming to a close, the return to Oxford Castle and its haunting past provides a fitting endnote to a day of exploration. The historic castle, reimagined as a modern sanctuary, offers a moment of tranquility before the journey home. The option to ascend the Oxford Mound for a sweeping view adds a final touch to a day steeped in scholarly history and cinematic allure.

Wandering the streets of Rome is to traverse a labyrinth of living history where every footfall might land on ancient relics. The city, dense with monuments, can indeed induce a sense of aesthetic fatigue in the traveler. Yet amidst this expanse lies a marvel not to be missed—the Colosseum, one of the famous Seven Wonders of the World, beckoning as a ‘must-visit’ pilgrimage for every soul at least once in their lifetime. The crowds flocking daily to this architectural titan are testament, making acquiring admission akin to an Olympian feat—yet, fear not the hyperbole, for while the queues are daunting, they are not insurmountable.

The Colosseum: A Canvas of Conquests and the Spectacle of Survival

This colossal amphitheater, erected in the year 72 AD, has stood for nearly two millennia and served as the heart of entertainment in ancient Rome, where gladiators met in mortal combat and man sparred with beast for the spectacle of an empire.

Constructed in a mere eight years—a wonder akin to the pyramids of Egypt—the Colosseum is a testament to advanced Roman engineering and the labor of countless slaves. Today, it stands partially restored, its scars and breaches authentic signatures of age, while lighter, unblemished stones mark modern interventions.

The Coliseum: A Guide to Its Floors and the Above Ground Sights

A colossus carved of history, the Colosseum encases the echoes of seven diverse levels. Yet, note that the vast stretches of the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum beckon just a five-minute walk away, lies beyond this guide’s compass.

• The First Tier: Where highborn patrons—emperors, priests, knights—once watched the fray.
• The Second Tier: Reserved for Roman nobility.
• The Third Tier: Where the wealthy bore witness to the spectacles below.
• The Fourth Tier: For the common citizens to gather and gaze.
• The Fifth Tier: Once the domain of women from the lower classes.
• The Arena: A platform for combat and entertainment.
• The Hypogeum: The beneath-the-surface world where gladiators and beasts awaited their grand entrance.

Access to this tiered tapestry of history varies with your ticket, as areas beyond the first two floors, including the hypogeum and other regulated zones, require guided tours or special passes to enter.

Ticketing Tidbits for the Traveler: Mastering the Colosseum Queue

The Colosseum draws millions annually, and to safeguard its integrity and the visitor experience, attendance is capped at 3,000 per time slot. Thus, tickets in high summer are sought after treasures. Here, we whisper counsel to secure these coveted passes without the agonizing wait: book in advance, consider a fast-pass through a third-party platform, or engage in a guided tour for both ease and insight.

• Ordinary Ticket: Admission to the first and second tiers, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
• Full Experience Arena Ticket: A ticket expanding your horizons to the arena floor itself.
• Underground and Arena Full Experience Ticket: The key to the enigma of the hypogeum alongside the other wonders.

Timings for ticket releases are stringent, and the free admission days, though alluring, are a gauntlet of brisk fingers and faster internet connections.

Strolling through History: Your Visit to the Colosseum

Adorned with a ticket, one faces the amphitheater’s regal scale. Dress comfortably, abide by the prohibitions—no outsized backpacks, no food and drink except water—and lean on the wisdom of audio guides or apps that unravel the fabric of this ancient showpiece.

Before you depart, embrace the magnitude of the Constantine Arch standing in the Colosseum’s shadow and the Temple of Venus and Rome, from where the best panoramic views can be captured.

A Day with the Gladiators: Crafting Your Roman Itinerary

Begin early with the Colosseum to unfurl the day before you and fit the jigsaw pieces of nearby attractions together for a fulfilling Roman exploration. Factor in dining options that align with your schedule. Quick bites could be a sensible choice, granting you more time to pursue the city’s cultural depths.

In Conclusion: The Colosseum’s Enduring Legacy

And so, with Rome’s unpredictable itinerary weaving its capricious path, the Colosseum stands, worth every effort to behold. Despite any mishaps or missed opportunities, this ancient stage of human endeavor, with its intimidating grandeur, is a sight of sheer wonder, deserving of reverence and awe.