Petra was carved, not built
The Nabataeans carved an entire city directly into red sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago. The Treasury façade is 40 meters tall. Only about 15% of Petra has been excavated — the rest is still buried.
🎲 Fun facts in Jordan
A few quirky things about Jordan that surprise almost every visitor — small details that explain a lot about how life there actually feels.
In Jordan, fun facts comes down to a few things: petra was carved, not built, the dead sea is the lowest point on earth, and mansaf is served on a giant communal platter.
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth
At 430 meters below sea level, it's so salty (34% salinity) that nothing can live in it. You float effortlessly. It's shrinking by about 1 meter per year due to water diversion from the Jordan River.
Mansaf is served on a giant communal platter
Jordan's national dish — lamb cooked in fermented yogurt over rice — is served on a huge platter and eaten with the right hand. It's the centerpiece of every celebration and a symbol of Bedouin hospitality.