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Petra: Lost City of Stone
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Stone Carvings from Jordan among some 200 exceptional objects,
many on display out of Jordan for the first time.
Photo Credit: D. Finnin/AMNH
© 2003 American Museum of Natural History
Image Courtesy of The American Museum of Natural History
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Historic Jordan is a land that has lived through many changes given her
geographical importance at the center of the Middle East. Petra in
particular possessed natural defenses through the encircling sandstone
Mountains. That often meant a tremendous amount of change as leaders
come and go each leaving their individual marks on the country.
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One group that dominated a specific region in Ancient Jordan were the Nabataeans,
whose legacy will be forever remembered thanks to their talented stone
cutters and the treasures they left behind. Some of these antiquities are
currently on display in the Petra: Lost City of Stone
exhibition that is touring the United States and Canada.
Petra: Lost City of Stone is a fascinating exhibition organized by the
American Museum of Natural History and The Cincinnati Art Museum. The
exhibition is honored with the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania
Al-Abdullah of Jordan.
HM Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan
at the Petra: Lost City of Stone Exhibition,
The American Museum of Natural History
Photo Credit: D. Finnin/AMNH
© 2003 American Museum of Natural History
Image Courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History
"With its complex intermingling of nature and culture," said Ellen V. Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural
History, "the fascinating story of Petra mirrors the very work and mission of the Museum.
For more than 130 years, our curators have studied relationships between nature and humanity.
Understanding how other cultures flourish, grow, and spread has perhaps never been more relevant
than it is today, as we embrace the challenges and opportunities of living in a truly global community."
Petra was a geographically important city situated between trade routes between India and Rome.
The Nabataeans were the long term rulers of Ancient Petra.
Petra Rediscovered:
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Visitors to Petra: Lost City of Stone will have access to
the famous El Kashné, Petra by noted American Hudson School painter
Frederic Edwin Church. The first time this oil painting has ever been
exhibited outside of Church's Olana home is for this special event,
removed from it's normal place of honor over the mantel.
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Title: El Khasné, Petra, 1874.
Artist: Frederic Edwin Church (American 1826-1900)
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Olana State Historic Site, New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
© 2003 Olana State Historic Site,
New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Image Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History
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Frederic Edwin Church chose his own path in life. Most artists of note
traveled to Europe to develop their crafts. Church began his life study of
other cultures by first visiting South America. His first trip to Europe
took him to the Middle East. Known for his renditions of scenery and
nature, particularly landscapes including the Andes, Labrador and some
breathtaking paintings of Niagara Falls, Church's works show an
incredible attention to detail and an excellent use of light particular
evident in El Kashné, Petra.
It was in 1812 when the city was rediscovered thanks to the curiosity
of Johann Ludwig Burckhardt who had heard of the "lost city"
which was not visible but by a long route that he managed through the use
of disguise and cleverness to find.
The People of Petra:
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Bearded head of Nabataean priest, identified as such by his soft-pointed cap.
Petra, circa first century A.D.
Department of Antiquities,
Amman, Jordan.
© 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum
Photographer: Peter John Gates
FBIPP, ARPS, Ashwell, UK
Image Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History
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The Nabataeans were noted for their business acumen, agricultural
excellent, engineering skills and importantly their tremendous
achievements in Stone carvings. They were nomads of Arabian descent who
settled in Petra and over time took control of the vital spice trade
route.
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"Petra is one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites, combining an extraordinary natural landscape and monumental
buildings," said co-curator of Petra: Lost City of Stone, Craig Morris, Senior Vice President, Dean of Science, and Curator,
Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History. "The exhibition re-creates many aspects of this impressive natural
and human setting using artworks, photographs, and actual architectural elements to tell the fascinating story of life in this ancient
city through the eloquent beauty of the work of its people."
The Nabataeans were skilled at trade, a necessary requirement, and were
forced through the geography of their then home in Petra to acquire the
necessary knowledge to solve their water problems given the lay of the land.
They created a series of water tunnels, phenomenal at the time, to resolve these issues.
Petra: Crossroads of the Ancient World
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Thanks to it's geographic location linking the Ancient Egyptians, Romans
and Greeks among others Petra became a wealthy city at the heart of the
trade routes. Whoever controlled the trade route controlled Petra, something
the Nabataeans did well for many years. Naturally, once a city becomes
wealthy it attracts attention from those wishing to conquer and control the
treasures themselves.
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Relief with bust of Pisces.
One of twelve representing the signs of the Zodiac Khirbet Tannur, circa first century A.D.
Department of Antiquities,
Amman, Jordan.
© 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum
Photographer: Peter John Gates
FBIPP, ARPS, Ashwell, UK
Image Courtesy The American
Museum of Natural History
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The Nabataeans were known to tax travelers as one method to create
tremendous fortunes, as the trade route was vital.
Visitors to the exhibition will have an opportunity to view an
eight-minute video created especially for Petra: Lost City of Stone.
The film is a must-see to illustrate the tremendous ingenuity the
inhabitants of Petra used to address their water irrigation issues and a
fascinating demonstration of necessity being the impetus of invention.
City of Stone:
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Relief sculpture of eagle on thunderbolt.
Petra, circa first century A.D.
Department of Antiquities, Amman, Jordan.
© 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum
Photographer: Peter John Gates
FBIPP, ARPS, Ashwell, UK
Image Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History
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"Petra is the story of the remarkable transformation of the Nabataeans,
who evolved from nomads to city dwellers in a relatively short period of time,
and who built-literally carved from the rock-one of the great urban complexes of the ancient world," said
co-curator of Petra: Lost City of Stone, Glenn Markoe, Curator of Classical and Near Eastern Art and Art of Africa
and the Americas, Cincinnati Art Museum. "It is also a story of the rediscovery of this lost civilization through physical
exploration in the early 19th century, and then through scientific, archaeological, and ecological research, which now makes
it possible to relate the history of the Nabataeans in exhibition format."
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Imagine creating a city entirely out of stone. Certainly this would not be easy during this technologically
advanced time yet virtually impossible in ancient times. Undaunted by
whatever problems arose the Nabataeans created an ever lasting monument to
their skill and artistry.
Daily Life:
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Whether through war or a negotiated peace, Rome eventually took over from
the Nabataeans who left. The influence of Rome is evident in some of the
collection such as the Roman Marble Vase pictured above. It is rare to
find such a large household item survive the ravages of time and one
among many highlights of the exhibition.
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Monumental Roman marble vase with panther-shaped handles.
Petra, circa first century
A.D. Department of Antiquities Amman, Jordan.
© 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum
Photographer: Peter John Gates FBIPP, ARPS, Ashwell, UK
Image Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History
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Statue of Victory (Amman) holding celestial disk with head of Tyche (Cincinnati).
Khirbet Tannur, circa first century A.D.
© 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum
Image Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History
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"[The] Petra exhibition, ... provides a unique perspective on a fascinating culture and time period,"
said Carter McClelland, President, Banc of America Securities,
and New York Market President, Bank of America. "This is an important part of our efforts to
contribute in a meaningful way to the world-class art and cultural communities of New York."
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"For the first time since antiquity, the two original
halves of this important Nabataean statue will be united for the
exhibition Petra, which will tour North America. This image, taken
several years ago, shows the authentic upper half of the statue
(in the collection of the Cincinnati Art Museum) together with a cast of
the lower portion of the original, which resides in Amman,
Jordan."1
Religion and worship became very important during this time and in particular focus was on the signs of the zodiac. Naturally given
their history and location many outside influences added into the beliefs of the people of Petra.
"Petra is a story not only of the Nabataeans but also of the unique collaboration between Jordan and the United States,"
said Timothy Rub, Director of the Cincinnati Art Museum. "In a time of turmoil, the United States and Jordan have formed a
unique partnership that will serve to foster cultural understanding. Just as Petra was a center of global commerce in ancient times,
we are bridging cultural divides in our global society through this exhibition."
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It was in A.D. 106 that Emperor Trajan took control
of Petra. The Romans would keep control for centuries. Naturally
their influence, gods and structures would be imposed on the people
adding to the kaleidoscope of cultural influences on Petra.
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Monumental stone head of Dushares-Dionysus
Photo Credit: D. Finnin/AMNH
© 2003 American Museum of Natural History
Image Courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History
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Relief sculpture with head of Medusa.
Petra, circa first century A.D.
Department of Antiquities, Amman, Jordan.
© 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum
Photographer: Peter John Gates
FBIPP, ARPS, Ashwell, UK
Image Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History
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Sadly much of the city was destroyed after a massive earthquake struck
in A.D. 363. Petra would never again see the wealth and riches that it had
known before this natural tragedy occurred.
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"[We are] extremely proud to lend [our] support to this magnificent, world-class exhibition," said Frances A.
Resheske, Senior Vice President for Public Affairs, Con Edison.
"This historic, groundbreaking event marks a high point in our long-standing partnership with the
American Museum of Natural History, bringing outstanding examples of historical significance to the
people of New York and to visitors from around the world."
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Monumental winged head of male deity.
Petra, circa first century A.D.
Department of Antiquities,
Amman, Jordan.
© 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum
Photographer: Peter John Gates
FBIPP, ARPS, Ashwell, UK
Image Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History
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Modern Petra
Considered to be among the most popular tourist locations in Jordan if not
the Middle East entirely, visitors should ensure their time encompasses
either the early morning hours or late afternoon to best view the red
sandstone when it is said to 'glow'.
The impressive exhibition is a credit to the organizers and their helpers, volunteers and sponsors who all added to the
ability to showcase the Ancient World to educate the visitors.
Architectural relief with head of Dushares-Dionysus.
Petra, circa first century A.D. Department of Antiquities, Amman, Jordan
© 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum
Photographer: Peter John Gates FBIPP, ARPS, Ashwell, UK
Image Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History
"It has been such a pleasure to be involved with the American Museum of Natural History and this historic exhibition on the beautiful
Jordanian city of Petra," said Lionel Pincus, American Museum of Natural History Trustee. "Princess Firyal and I
hope the exhibition will give visitors a sense of the peacefulness and ingenuity of this ancient civilization of very diverse peoples,
and will help to foster cultural understanding at this critical time in world events."
The popular exhibition has successfully shown in New York and Cincinnati.
It will travel to Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan before moving on to Calgary and Ottawa.
Exhibition Schedule
Calvin College
Apr 4 - Aug 15, 2005
Glenbow Museum
Oct 29, 2005 - Feb 20, 2006
Canadian Museum of Civilization
April 7, 2006 - February 18, 2007
1 Caption from Statue of Victory (Amman) holding celestial disk with head of Tyche (Cincinnati),
Khirbet Tannur, circa first century A.D, © 2003 Cincinnati Art Museum,
Courtesy The American Museum of Natural History.
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