The Snake Monument Trail

Trail overview

The Snake Monument Trail starts at Ez-Zantur, near Pharaoh’s Column, and leads to Ath-Thugra on the route to Jabal Harun. It is a relatively easy hike, typically taking between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on one's physical fitness. On your way to the Snake Monument, you will pass some magnificent rock-cut monuments on the eastern foot of Umm al-Biyara mountain. Additionally, you will enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape and the sandstone mountain views around you, covered with juniper trees. Hikers are advised to do this trail before late afternoon. Good walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential. Before you get to the Snake Monument, you'll notice a number of ancient Nabataean agricultural terraces on the mountain slope ahead of you. The Snake Monument Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient rock-cut monuments and stunning landscapes in the area. It is recommended to start the hike early in the day to avoid the heat and make the most of the experience. Additionally, bringing a camera is recommended to capture the breathtaking views along the hike.

Trail Details

Starting Point: Petra/ez Zantur/Pharaoh`s Column

Endpoint: Petra/The Snake Monument

Category: Heritage/Environmental/Geological

Distance: 1.8 Km/2362 Steps

Calories Burn: 94 Calories

Duration: 1.00 - 1.15 Hours/Non-stop

Grade: Easy

Tour: One-way

The Nabataean Mansion on ez-Zantur  

Excavations at the Nabataean mansion on Ez-Zantur commenced in the 1990s by the University of Basel and continued through the early 2000s. The site represents the remains of an opulent Nabataean private residence constructed in the early 1st century AD. Its layout is reminiscent of Hellenistic Greek architecture, featuring a central courtyard surrounded by reception rooms and servant quarters, as well as a section allocated for the homeowner's personal use. This private area, situated along the mansion's southern edge, comprises a central vestibule flanked by two grand chambers. These rooms, all boasting stone-paved floors, were adorned with ornate stucco and wall paintings imitating colorful paneled masonry. A notable architectural feature is a smaller, centrally located room adorned with elaborate wall paintings depicting imaginative, illusionistic interpretations of classical architecture. This artistic style, prevalent in Pompeii and Rome during the Augustan age (31 BC–14 AD), has been adapted locally at Ez-Zantur. In contrast to Roman examples, the paintings here are confined to a narrow section of the lower wall.

The Pharaoh's Column   

The Pharaoh's Column is situated behind the Great Temple, forming part of an unexcavated structure from a Nabataean sanctuary in ruins. Positioned along the ancient route to Egypt via Naqb al-Ruba'i, the column comprises 11 stone drums, with the lowermost one significantly eroded. Modern graffiti and scratches adorn its surface. Mentioned frequently in accounts of 19th and early 20th-century travelers to Petra, the column is flanked by fallen drums, suggesting its original towering height. Despite its current state of disrepair, the Pharaoh's Column remains a significant archaeological and historical landmark in Petra, bearing witness to the earthquakes of 363 and 551 that devastated the city.

Nabataean facade tomb types at Petra

There are 628 façade tombs carved into the sandstone rock faces of Petra's monuments that surround the city center. These tombs are divided into eight types based on their decorations: single pylon, double pylon, step, proto-hegra, hegra, arch, simple classical, and complex. The classification of the façade tombs at Petra provides insight into the architectural styles and cultural influences present in the ancient city. This system helps researchers and visitors alike better understand the history and significance of these impressive structures. The variety in architectural styles and designs of the façade tombs reflects the diverse cultural influences present in Petra during its peak as a trading hub. Each type of façade tomb serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic expression of the Nabateans who once inhabited the ancient city. The façade tombs also showcase a blend of Hellenistic, Assyrian, Egyptian, and Roman architectural elements.

Terraces on the mountain slope near the Snake Monument

Before reaching the Snake Monument, you'll notice several ancient Nabataean agricultural terraces on the mountain slope ahead. These terraces stand as a testament to the ancient civilization that thrived in this area, demonstrating their innovative farming practices on challenging terrain. Terracing is an ancient agricultural technique used since Neolithic times. The Nabataeans, Romans, and Byzantines extensively practiced terrace farming in Petra and its surroundings. The Nabataeans, in particular, relied on their own water management systems, diverting winter rainwater to hillside terraces for agriculture. Inhabitants of Petra in the past used terraces to stabilize slopes and cultivate crops like wheat and barley. This region not only sustained itself but also produced olives, olive oil, grapes, and wine for trade. The success of terrace farming in cultivating wheat, grapes, and possibly olives created a verdant agricultural "suburb" around Petra, amidst an otherwise arid landscape. The Nabataeans' innovative terrace farming practice significantly contributed to their economic prosperity and the flourishing of trade routes through Petra, attracting merchants from distant lands.

The Snake Monument

The Snake Monument, a significant feature located in the southern part of Petra at Ath-Thugra, is a sculptural representation featuring a rock-carved snake coiled atop a block tomb, reminiscent of the Djinn blocks at Bab al Siq. Situated along the route to Jabal Harun, it provides insights into the role of serpents in Nabataean religious practices. The tomb itself is cube-shaped, representing one of Petra's earliest sculptures, likely dating to the early second century BC. According to legend, the snake was placed to protect the tomb from burglars. The monument lies on the path to Jabal Harun and is positioned along the ancient caravan route leading into Petra from southern Wadi Araba, Sinai, Egypt, and the Negev.

In the 19th century, numerous travelers, including Leon de Laborde and Linant de Bellefonds, journeyed to Petra via this route. They arrived in Petra on March 28, 1828, during a period when a plague was rampant in the village of Wadi Musa.