Petra Water Culvert Running Through Al Siq Slot Canyon

A red sandstone open water culvert, with recent signs of water flow, follows the twists and turns of the Al Siq rock canyon entrance to Petra.

This hydraulic system established as early as 4th century BC, allowed the Nabataeans, previously a nomadic Arab tribe, to settle at Petra using the culverts to channel water from the other side of the mountain to Petra City. Its location provided a oasis for travellers and traders passing through from the coast inland. The Nabataeans served as facilitators between the producers of goods in South Arabia, Africa and India. As was common at the time in the Middle East the Nabataeans levied taxes on goods imported or in transit through their region and the wealth created is still reflected in the city.

This was only made possible in the otherwise dry desert region by adequate water from an underground stream, transported by culverts, part of which is shown in this picture, and various channels through the city to storage tanks.

To get the water to flow the water needs to flow downhill, as pumping was not then an option at this scale. The Nabataeans clearly had the skills to determine the necessary fall in levels and plan accordingly.