Editing Petra (section)

=== Hellenistic architecture ===
[[File:البتراء.JPG|thumb|The Hadrian Gate also known as the Temenos Gate]]

Petra is known primarily for its [[Hellenistic architecture]]. The facades of the tombs in Petra are commonly rendered in Hellenistic style, reflecting the number of diverse cultures with which the [[Nabataeans]] traded, all of which were in turn influenced by Greek culture. Most of these tombs contain small burials niches carved into the stone.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Petra: Rock-cut façades (article)|url=https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/west-and-central-asia-apahh/west-asia/a/petra-rock-cut-facades|access-date=2021-12-03|website=Khan Academy|language=en}}</ref>

Perhaps the best example of the Hellenistic style is seen in the [[Al-Khazneh|Treasury]], which is {{convert|24|meters}} wide and {{convert|37|meters}} tall and refers to the architecture of Alexandria.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alexandria |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Alexandria-Egypt|access-date=2021-12-03|website=www.britannica.com|language=en}}</ref> The facade of the Treasury features a broken pediment with a central [[Tholos (architecture)|tholos]] inside, and two [[obelisk]]s appear to form into the rock at the top. Near the bottom of the Treasury are the twin Greek gods [[Castor and Pollux]], who protect travellers on their journeys. Near the top of the Treasury, two victories are seen standing on each side of a female figure on the tholos. This female figure is believed to be the Isis-Tyche, [[Isis]] and [[Tyche]] being the Egyptian and Greek goddesses, respectively, of good fortune.<ref name=":3" />

Another prime example of Hellenistic architecture featured in Petra is its [[Ad Deir|Monastery]], which stands at {{convert|45|meters}} tall and {{convert|50|meters}} wide; this is Petra's largest monument and is similarly carved into the rock face. The facade of this again features a broken pediment, similar to the [[Al-Khazneh|Treasury]], as well as another central tholos. The Monastery displays more of a Nabataen touch while at the same time incorporating elements from Greek architecture.<ref name=":3" /> Its only source of light is its entrance standing at {{convert|8|meters}} high. There is a large space outside of the Monastery, which is purposefully flattened for worship purposes. Formerly, in the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine period]], this was a place for [[Christians|Christian]] worship, but is now a holy site for [[pilgrim]]s to visit.