The magnificent Royal Tombs are carved into one continual cliff face along the western face of Jabal al-Khubtha that rises above the center of the Petra Archaeological Park. These large mausoleums were the tombs of Nabataean kings over 2,300 years ago. In a few minutes, you'll know everything you'll need to make your visit to the tombs exceptional and unforgettable.
The Royal Tombs date back to the first half of the 1st century AD. The size and decoration of these Petra tombs indicated that they belonged to rich and powerful Nabataeanians, possibly Petra royalty.
The Urn Tomb may have belonged to Petra King Malchus II. The Nabataeanians had been in Petra since about the 3rd century BC, so by the time these tombs were built Petra had been exposed to Hellenistic architectural ideas. This is seen in the blend of eastern and western architectural traditions.
What to See and Do at the Royal Tombs Petra
Urn Tomb
The first of the Urn Tombs is built high on the mountainside and has a 26 by 16.49-meter facade. To reach it you will have to hike up a flight of stairs. A large colonnaded courtyard stands in front of the tomb. If you'll look carefully at the rear wall, you'll see an inscription carved into the stone recording the consecration of the tomb as a church in 447 AD.
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