BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Ancient city of Petra

BBC NEWS / IN PICTURES
Graphics Version BBC Sport Home

Wednesday, 17 January 2007, 01:37 GMT

In pictures: Ancient city of Petra

Jordanians dressed as Nabateans outside the Treasurer's House at Petra

1 of 6
Jordan's ancient pink city of Petra has been named as one of 21 finalists in a contest to select the new seven wonders of the world.

Two camels in the gorge leading to Petra

Two camels in the gorge leading to Petra

2 of 6
The city, carved out of pink sandstone and approached via a narrow gorge, was the capital of the Nabatean kingdom from around 300 BC.

Actors and officials in Petra's large theatre

Actors and officials in Petra's large theatre

3 of 6
It continued to flourish under Roman rule and has a number of typical Roman structures, such as a large theatre.

Jordanian actors dressed as Roman gladiators in the theatre in Petra

Jordanian actors dressed as Roman gladiators in the theatre in Petra

4 of 6
Jordanians dressed as gladiators and Nabateans to perform in a re-enactment of life in ancient Petra to mark the city's progress to the final of the contest.

Queen Rania of Jordan with contest founder Bernard Webber

Queen Rania of Jordan with contest founder Bernard Webber

5 of 6
Queen Rania of Jordan received Petra's official certificate from the founder of the contest, Bernard Webber.

A man dressed as a Nabatean stands in front of the Treasurer's House

A man dressed as a Nabatean stands in front of the Treasurer's House

6 of 6
Jordanians hope inclusion in the final seven will boost the tourist industry. The winner of the contest will be announced in July.

E-mail this to a friend