Khazneh (Petra) also known as “Al-Khazneh”, “The Treasury”, “Al Khazna” ...

• Main Author: Accettola, Anna
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Database of Religious History (DRH) 2022
• Subjects: Long Rock
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0422034; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0422034

The Khazneh, or Treasury, is one of the most famous buildings in Petra, Jordan. Carved into the rock face of the famous "Rose-Red City," the Khazneh is the first building visitors see after leaving the Siq, the dark 160m long rock gorge which functions as entrance and defense for the city. The Khazneh looms far above the visitor’s head and awes them with its rose colored rock and exquisite reliefs of vines, amphorae, and larger-than-life deities and animals. The two story faux temple façade includes Corinthian column capitols and two eagles atop the roof. A depiction of the Egyptian goddess Isis takes center stage of the second story and the divine twine, Castor and Pollux, flank the entrances on the first floor. Though aniconic worship was most prevalent among the Nabataeans, by the time the Khazneh was created, external influences were permeating many aspects of the kingdom. As the Khazneh was the first building visitors saw upon visiting Petra, the amalgamation of deities and their anthropomorphic shapes ...