Sabra Trail

Trail overview

For those seeking an adventurous exploration of Petra’s diverse landscapes, the Sabra Trail offers a rewarding journey through stunning scenery and rich historical significance. This extensive hike should be started early in the day. It begins at ez-Zantur (Pharaoh’s Column) and extends to Wadi Sabra, located about 6.5 kilometers south of Petra. Historically, Wadi Sabra was

a crucial caravan station on the route to Gaza. The trail features breathtaking views of unique sandstone rock formations, sculpted over centuries by wind and water into intricate patterns and dramatic cliffs. Hikers will also encounter various desert plants adapted to the arid environment, such as juniper trees and retama. Additionally, the trail passes ancient Nabataean tombs and

water cisterns, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Travelers may also meet Bedouin shepherds and their flocks, enriching the cultural experience of the journey. Due to its length and difficulty, it is advisable to use a guide, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring essentials like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, ample water, and high-energy snacks. Hikers should be in good physical condition; however, using camels for part of the journey can reduce physical exertion and provide a traditional travel experience.

Trail Details

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

Endpoint: Petra/Sabra

Category: Heritage/Environmental/Geological

Distance: 7.9 Km/10367 Steps

Calories Burn: 415 Calories

Duration: 3.15 - 3.30 Hours/Non-stop

Grade: Moderate

Tour: One-way

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.

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.

Wadi Sabra Suburb

Wadi Sabra, located approximately 7.5 kilometers south of Petra, served as a significant suburb and caravan stop on the route to Gaza. This area features a theater, a sophisticated water management system, and an acropolis mount, showcasing Nabataean expertise in adapting to and controlling desert water sources. Along the Petra-Gaza trade route, Wadi Sabra's watchtowers and checkpoints were strategically placed to safeguard and regulate caravan traffic through Wadi Araba. As a key stopover for caravans, Wadi Sabra's theater and acropolis were prominent landmarks, complemented by several caravanserais like Bir Madhkour, Ain Rahel, Qasr al-Mahle, and Oboda. These facilities provided essential amenities such as shelter, food, and water for travelers and their animals, fostering economic growth through trade and cultural exchange. For instance, the limestone-block Ain Rahel caravanserai, measuring 16x16 meters, featured eight rooms surrounding a central courtyard, illustrating the infrastructure's functionality and design. Furthermore, the presence of these caravanserais also facilitated communication and the exchange of goods between different regions, contributing to the flourishing trade networks in the area. The strategic location of Wadi Sabra along trade routes made it a crucial hub for merchants and travelers alike, enhancing its significance in the ancient world.

The Sabra Theatre

The Sabra Theatre exemplifies ancient Nabataean engineering prowess and cultural significance. Located in a natural gully, the Sabra Theatre ingeniously utilized the terrain to manage water, employing a sophisticated system of channels and basins to control runoff. This small, horseshoe-shaped theater measures 39 meters wide with an inner diameter of 22 meters, featuring tiered seating accessible via stairways. Its 11 rows of seats could accommodate between 500 and 800 spectators, indicating its use for celebrations, social gatherings, and theatrical performances. Constructed in the 1st century A.D. with additions like a large stairway in the 2nd century A.D., the theater remained active until the late Roman period. Its strategic placement within the suburban settlement of Sabra suggests it served as a central hub for community activities, reflecting the area's importance as a caravan city along a major trade route. The archaeological remains at Sabra underscore its role as a thriving urban center deeply interconnected with regional trade.

The Sabra Acropolis

Located to the west of Jabal Jathum and the theater, the Sabra Acropolis was accessible via a bridge across Wadi al-Muthaylija, a tributary of Wadi Sabra, with a dam constructed on this stream. 19th-century plans labeled a monument surrounded by porticoes as a temple. Recent archaeological work uncovered a paved floor with a colonnade and a marble bust of an Oriental Aphrodite from the Late Roman period. This discovery indicates that the site likely served as a religious sanctuary, drawing pilgrims and worshippers. The presence of the Aphrodite bust highlights the area's connection to the cult of Aphrodite and provides insight into the religious practices of the time. The strategic location and architectural features suggest its importance as a religious site in antiquity. Further excavations and research will be essential to fully understand the significance of the Sabra Acropolis in the region's history.

Sabra and Abu Khushaybeh Copper Mines

Sabra, located 7.5 kilometers southwest of Petra, thrived during the Nabataean period. The site features significant Nabataean water management systems, a rock-cut theater, and extensive metallic ore deposits, underscoring its role as a major mining hub. Excavations in Wadi Sabra have uncovered copper-rich sandstones, iron ore, and slag, indicating substantial copper mining and smelting activities. Sabra was crucial in meeting Petra's non-precious metal needs. In addition to Sabra, the region includes Abu Khushaybeh, strategically positioned 7.5 kilometers southwest of Petra. This site was a key stop for caravans traveling between Petra and Wadi Araba. Notable copper mining sites in the area—Wadi Abu Khushayba, Abu Qurdiyah, and Sabra—reveal the scale of Nabataean copper production. Recent surveys have identified over 200 mining shafts and several smelting sites, highlighting the extensive operations conducted in ancient times. With its acropolis, theater, and advanced water systems, Sabra was a thriving city that complemented Petra. Abu Khushaybeh played a vital role in the caravan trade, particularly in copper. Geochemical studies show high copper mineralization in the region, with Abu Khushaybeh deposits containing 0.65% copper. Although these deposits were not commercially exploited, they were extensively mined by the Nabataeans and Romans.