Petra's Water Management and Challenges

Petra, an ancient city, thrived due to its advanced water management system, overcoming challenges like Roman occupation and earthquakes. The Nabataeans engineered a complex network of dams and channels to harness water, supporting a population far beyond the natural capacity. Dr. Tom Paradise's research highlights the ingenuity of this system, which provided 12 million gallons of water daily, even allowing for luxuries like a public swimming pool. Petra's engineering marvels remain a testament to human resilience and innovation.

What major events did the people of Petra overcome to maintain their city?

• The Fall of Constantinople and the Spanish Inquisition

• The Black Plague and the Great Fire of London

• The American Revolution and the French Revolution

• Roman occupation and the Great Earthquake of 363

What was the key resource that Petra's inhabitants skillfully managed?

• Gold

• Timber

• Water

• Iron

How many people could Petra's native water resources originally support?

• 50,000 people

• 2,000 to 3,000 people

• 5,000 people

• 10,000 people

Who spent 22 years studying Petra's water system?

• Dr. Emily Brown

• Dr. John Smith

• Dr. Tom Paradise

• Dr. Jane Doe

What was the main challenge of Petra's location?

• Lack of sunlight

• Inhospitable and difficult terrain

• Frequent snowstorms

• High altitude

What was the role of terracotta pipes in Petra's water system?

• To transport air

• To transport grain

• To transport water

• To transport oil

What was the purpose of the gentle angle in Petra's water channels?

• To speed up water flow

• To slow down water flow

• To prevent water from backing up

• To enhance water purity

What did the reservoirs around Petra capture?

• Summer rain

• Winter rain

• Autumn rain

• Spring rain

What was the daily water capacity of Petra's system?

• 20 million gallons

• 1 million gallons

• 5 million gallons

• 12 million gallons

What luxury did Petra's water system provide in the Royal Gardens?

• A large library

• A botanical garden

• A public swimming pool

• A grand theater