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![]() Wednesday, April 1, 1998 Published at 06:15 GMT 07:15 UK ![]() ![]() ![]() World: Middle East ![]() Petra 'saved' by artificial stone ![]() The Treasury at Petra was carved from sandstone 2,000 years ago
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan, one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites, could be saved from destruction by an artificial rock.
But the thousands of people who visit Petra, south of the Jordanian capital of Amman, are finding the city in increasingly poor condition.
Petra was carved from solid rock 2,000 years ago by the Navateans. But erosion and neglect have left just 100 of its 3,000 tombs and monuments still in reasonable condition.
Now Jordanian and German engineers have developed an artificial sandstone which they hope will protect the red sandstone facades against further weathering.
"I cannot say it is a perfect solution. It cannot stop the weathering, which is natural, but it was a really big relief," she said.
It will be a lengthy task. The scientists hope to be able to treat another 10 sites at Petra, but it will take them 10 years.
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