Petra is one of the most stunning ancient cities in the world, carved directly into red sandstone cliffs. This quiz explores the history, architecture, and legends surrounding Jordan’s famous archaeological wonder.
You will see questions about the Nabataeans, their clever water systems, and how the Roman Empire changed the city. Some queries focus on its Hollywood appearances, while others test your knowledge of its dramatic rediscovery.
When you are finished, try our quizzes on historic places, explore UNESCO architecture, or see more famous landmarks.
In which modern-day country is the archaeological site of Petra located?
Syria
Syria
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Jordan
Jordan
Egypt
Egypt
Which iconic facade in Petra was featured as the resting place of the Holy Grail in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’?
The Great Temple
The Great Temple
The Monastery
The Monastery
The Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs
The Treasury
The Treasury
Which ancient civilization established Petra as their capital city?
Romans
Romans
Persians
Persians
Babylonians
Babylonians
Nabataeans
Nabataeans
What is the primary geological material from which most of Petra’s monuments were carved?
Limestone
Limestone
Sandstone
Sandstone
Granite
Granite
Marble
Marble
What was the primary economic driver for the wealth of the Nabataean civilization?
Incense trade
Incense trade
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding
Gold mining
Gold mining
Large-scale agriculture
Large-scale agriculture
Who was the principal male deity worshiped by the Nabataeans?
Zeus
Zeus
Apollo
Apollo
Dushara
Dushara
Baal
Baal
What is the name of the narrow, winding gorge that serves as the main entrance to Petra?
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum
The High Place of Sacrifice
The High Place of Sacrifice
The Cardo Maximus
The Cardo Maximus
The Siq
The Siq
Which method did the Nabataeans primarily use to manage water in the arid desert environment?
Deep-sea desalination
Deep-sea desalination
Concrete piping
Concrete piping
Clay pipes and terracing
Clay pipes and terracing
Steam-powered pumps
Steam-powered pumps
Which blockbuster film featured Petra as the location of the Tomb of the Primes?
Gladiator
Gladiator
The Mummy Returns
The Mummy Returns
Lawrence of Arabia
Lawrence of Arabia
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
What is the Arabic name for the structure commonly known as ‘The Monastery’?
Qasr al-Bint
Qasr al-Bint
Al-Khazneh
Al-Khazneh
The Urn Tomb
The Urn Tomb
Ad Deir
Ad Deir
Around which century did the Nabataean kingdom reach its height of power?
2nd century BC
2nd century BC
3rd century BC
3rd century BC
2nd century AD
2nd century AD
1st century BC
1st century BC
Most archaeologists believe the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) was originally constructed for what purpose?
As a bank vault
As a bank vault
As a temple to a goddess
As a temple to a goddess
As a public library
As a public library
As a tomb for a king
As a tomb for a king
In what year was Petra designated a UNESCO World Heritage site?
1983
1983
1987
1987
1985
1985
1981
1981
What natural phenomenon contributed significantly to the destruction of much of Petra’s infrastructure in the 4th century AD?
Earthquakes
Earthquakes
Volcanic eruptions
Volcanic eruptions
Prolonged droughts
Prolonged droughts
Severe floods
Severe floods
What was the functional purpose of the channels carved along the interior walls of the Siq?
To support scaffolding for carving
To support scaffolding for carving
To direct water into cisterns
To direct water into cisterns
To serve as defensive barriers
To serve as defensive barriers
To act as windbreaks for sandstorms
To act as windbreaks for sandstorms
The elaborate facade of the Treasury reflects a strong influence from which artistic and architectural tradition?
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture
Hellenistic architecture
Hellenistic architecture
Byzantine architecture
Byzantine architecture
Baroque architecture
Baroque architecture
In what year did the Roman Empire annex the Nabataean Kingdom?
106 AD
106 AD
110 AD
110 AD
114 AD
114 AD
102 AD
102 AD
Who was the Nabataean king during whose reign much of Petra’s most iconic building activity occurred?
Obodas III
Obodas III
Rabbel II
Rabbel II
Aretas IV
Aretas IV
Malichus II
Malichus II
What is the distinguishing feature of the monument known as ‘The Monastery’ (Ad Deir)?
It was the center of the local wine industry
It was the center of the local wine industry
It is the oldest structure in the city
It is the oldest structure in the city
It is the largest rock-cut building in the city
It is the largest rock-cut building in the city
It held the primary gold reserves of the Empire
It held the primary gold reserves of the Empire
What primary evidence helps scholars identify the specific culture that built sections of Petra?
Carbon dating of building frames
Carbon dating of building frames
Roman currency found in the Siq
Roman currency found in the Siq
Amphorae deposits
Amphorae deposits
Inscriptions in Nabataean Aramaic
Inscriptions in Nabataean Aramaic
Which luxury goods were major components of the trade routes controlled by the Nabataeans?
Olive oil
Olive oil
Tin and amber
Tin and amber
Silk and porcelain
Silk and porcelain
Frankincense and myrrh
Frankincense and myrrh
Petra is widely referred to by which poetic nickname, due to the color of the rock from which it is carved?
The Desert Jewel
The Desert Jewel
The City of Stone
The City of Stone
The Rose City
The Rose City
The Hidden Kingdom
The Hidden Kingdom
You can do better
Not bad
Great!
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