Nestled in the rose-red sandstone cliffs and surrounded by the deserts of what is today southern Jordan, the archaeological site of Petra is one of humanities greatest wonders. Hewn from canyon walls, the rock-cut city thrived for centuries as the capital of the ancient Nabataean people. Most often recognized by Al Khazneh (The Treasury), an enigmatic but stunning structure, the city of Petra sprawled for miles. An illustrated lecture will introduce the Nabataeans, note the historic travelers who helped bring the site to the Western world's attention, and discuss the recent archaeological work growing our understanding of Petra's history, including 2024 excavations under The Treasury itself.Biography:
Professor Pearce Paul Creasman serves as executive director of the American Center of Research in Amman, Jordan. His research focuses on the heritage, archaeology, and environment of the Middle East and North Africa. With more than 100 publications to his credit, Prof. Creasman has been recognized for his work by several institutions including: the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, as a fellow of The Explorer’s Club, and he was honored as a “Genius” in National Geographic’s 2021 almanac. His most recent excavations are of the Treasury in Petra (Jordan) and the pyramids of Nuri (Sudan), both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and scuba diving in the Dead Sea at an ancient harbor.
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