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Petra - High Places

Temple of the High Places in Petra Temple of the High Places in Petra

Note vertical Fractures causing a slight displacement of the steps. This may have been caused by an undated seismic event.

Click on Image for high resolution magnifiable image

photo by Jefferson Williams


Introduction
ChatGPT Introduction

The High Place, also known as the High Place of Sacrifice, is a cultic installation situated on the summit of Jebel Madbah above the central basin of Petra. Its elevated position, commanding views over the city and surrounding wadis, reflects the importance of height and visibility in Nabataean ritual practice. The complex includes rock-cut features traditionally interpreted as altars, platforms, basins, and processional pathways, indicating repeated and formalized use over time.

Petra - Introduction Webpage

Aerial Views, Plans, and Sections
Aerial Views, Plans, and Sections

Aerial Views

  • Petra High Places in Google Earth
    Petra High Places in Google Earth

    click on image to explore this site on a new tab in Google Earth

Plans, and Sections

Normal Size

  • Fig. 3.5a - Plan and
    Fig. 3.5a

    The High Place. Detailed plan and sections, showing the shallow cuts

    (Brünnow and Domaszewski 1904: Fig.270)

    Rababeh (2005)
    Sections of the High Places from Rababeh (2005)

Magnified

  • Fig. 3.5a - Plan and
    Fig. 3.5a

    The High Place. Detailed plan and sections, showing the shallow cuts

    (Brünnow and Domaszewski 1904: Fig.270)

    Rababeh (2005)
    Sections of the High Places from Rababeh (2005)

Archaeoseismic Chronology
Undated potential Earthquake evidence

Discussion

Discussion

Notes and Further Reading
References

Articles and Books

Avi-Yonah, M. (1975). The Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land Vol. III, Israel Exploration Society and Massada Press - can be borrowed with a free account from archive.org

Avi-Yonah, M. (1975). The Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land Vol. IV, Israel Exploration Society and Massada Press - can be borrowed with a free account from archive.org

Ben-Menahem, A. (1979). "Earthquake catalogue for the Middle East (92 B.C. –1800 A.D.)." Boll. Geofis. Teor. Appl. 21: 245.

Ben-Menahem, A. (1991). "Four Thousand Years of Seismicity along the Dead Sea rift." Journal of Geophysical Research 96((no. B12), 20): 195-120, 216.

Brünnow, R. and von Domaszewski, A. (1904). Die Provincia Arabia Vol. I. Strassburg: von Karl J. Trübner.

Brünnow, R. and von Domaszewski, A. (1909). Die Provincia Arabia Vol. II. Strassburg: von Karl J. Trübner. - open access at archive.org

Glueck, N. (1943). "Some ancient towers in the plains of Moab." Bull. Am. Sch. Orient. Res. 26: 71-83.

Websites

PETRA: High Place at Nabataea.net

Brünnow and Domaszewski Research Photographs at Princeton University