The Siq

The Siq is a narrow gorge which is the only access to Petra, and is 1.2km long. This was the original course of Wadi Musa (River of Moses). Two water channels were carved in the wall sides, on the left drinking water, and eroded from the right the toilet water.

At one time the Siq used to flood from the local river, so the Nabataean's built a dam at the entrance and diverted it through an 86m tunnel they also built. This then rejoins the Wadi Musa at the start of the Colonnade Street inside Petra. This meant Petra was never without water for domestic needs, filling the fountains, and irrigating the surrounding fields.

Side gulleys of the Siq were also dammed to stop flooding, which still need to be maintained. The Siq also originally had an entrance arch and drawbridge. The rock walls of the Siq reach a maximum height of 80-90m, and in some stretches are just 3m apart.Читать далее