Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — Painted Biclinium
البيضا · Little Petra Biclinium
Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE)·Rock-cut tradition·🇯🇴 Ma'an, Siq al-Barid, Jordan
About
About Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — Painted Biclinium
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — Painted Biclinium in Ma'an, Siq al-Barid, Jordan is a Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE) rock_cut attributed to Rock-cut tradition. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document ceramic seriation. The site includes a principal citadel and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions 432m × 111m; area 32.7 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Rock-cut tradition rock_cut with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 1000 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and labor organization
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Territorial marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 600 BCE
- Period
- Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE)
- Culture
- Rock-cut tradition
- Purpose
- Rock-cut tomb and sanctuary
- Rediscovered
- 1882
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 991 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1931
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1578 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
30.3700° N · 35.4500° E · 1000 m · 3 mapped features
Principal Monument
structurePrincipal Monument at Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — Painted Biclinium — structure with stratified deposits
30.3709° N · 35.4517° EAncillary Complex
complexAncillary Complex at Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — Painted Biclinium — complex with stratified deposits
30.3708° N · 35.4518° EOutlier Feature
outlierOutlier Feature at Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — Painted Biclinium — outlier with stratified deposits
30.3713° N · 35.4480° E