The civilization that built the ancient city of Petra was the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe that inhabited the region of modern-day Jordan. Petra flourished between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE, emerging as a vital trading hub due to its strategic location along trade routes connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. The Nabataeans were known for their advanced water management systems, carved rock architecture, and cultural blending of Persian, Hellenistic, and Arab influences. Petra's iconic structures, including the Treasury and Monastery, are examples of their architectural ingenuity and remain a testament to their legacy, attracting tourists and historians alike.