The Finnish Archaeological Project in Petra
Magnificent and mysterious Petra is
known best for its royal tombs cut in soft sandstone.
Being the most important tourist site in Jordan
today, the city used to serve as the center of trade
and agriculture in the area at the crosspoint of
great caravan routes. Charred papyri from 513 A.D.,
found in an excavated church in Petra, mention also a
nearby monastery on the Mount of St. Aaron, the high
priest and brother of Moses.
We have now a unique opportunity to
study the ruins of this lonely and forgotten building
complex. The first, preliminary season began in July
1998 at the foot of the peak on which lies St.
Aaron's mausoleum, a holy site for three religions.
The project is led by professor Jaakko Frösén,
Helsinki University, and financed by the Emil
Aaltonen Foundation. Full scale excavations
began in the August 1999.
