Explore Jordan and Israel Through Movies: Rediscover Ancient Civilizations' Holy Land

Text by Qidou Travel Network / Images by Shutterstock.com and provided by the Israel Tourism Authority

Petra, derived from the Greek word "petrus" (meaning rock), is a must-visit highlight of any trip to Jordan and a paradise for enthusiasts of ancient civilizations. In the movie *Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen*, Petra serves as the tomb of the Primes, hiding a crucial secret of the universe.

Located in southern Jordan, Petra is listed among the New 7 Wonders of the World alongside global landmarks such as China’s Great Wall, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city was built in the 6th century BC by cave-dwelling indigenous people within the rift valley of Moses.

Though constructed by cave-dwelling natives, the grandeur of Petra is astounding. The approximately 40-meter-high Al Khazneh Treasury, which in the movie *Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen* provides ample space for the Autobot twins to battle inside, showcases the immense scale of its architecture. Carved meticulously into the natural rock face in the style of Roman architecture, it’s no wonder the site was featured in National Geographic Traveler’s 2008 list of “50 Places of a Lifetime.”

What truly brought Petra international fame, however, was the 1989 blockbuster *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*, where protagonist Indiana Jones comes here in search of the Holy Grail. Aside from its iconic red sandstone, Petra features rocks in various hues—brown, light blue, orange-red—that reflect dazzling patterns under different light angles, creating a surreal fantasy-like landscape that has earned it the nickname “The Rose City.”

When visiting Petra, don’t leave in a hurry. At night, guided by 1,700 flickering candles, travelers can walk along the candlelit pathway from the canyon area to the Treasury of the Pharaoh and enjoy a breathtaking performance featuring traditional music by the Bedouin nomads and poetry recitals—almost like sharing a timeless connection between the past and present. The rose-colored city at night is an unforgettable sight.

Not far from Petra lies Wadi Rum, another essential Jordanian destination. Its landscape resembles the surface of the moon, with ancient canyons covered in white and red sands. The eroded cliffs and desert bathed in crimson sunlight are truly breathtaking.

Hop on an Arabian-style four-wheel-drive vehicle for a thrilling ride across the vast desert. Towering sandstone formations rise sharply on both sides, reminiscent of the stunning vistas in the movie *Lawrence of Arabia*. At night, stay in a desert tent to gaze at the star-studded sky free from light pollution, immersed in the priceless serenity of the wilderness.

Situated between Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea is the lowest lake on Earth, stretching 60 kilometers in length and 17 kilometers in width. Despite being fed by the gentle waters of the Jordan River, the rate of evaporation far exceeds the inflow of freshwater, resulting in an extremely high salt concentration of 35%. No life can survive here, but the water’s buoyancy is so strong that visitors can effortlessly float on the surface—a unique experience even non-swimmers can enjoy.

The Dead Sea is rich in minerals, making its mud a treasured beauty treatment. While swimming here, apply the mineral-rich Dead Sea mud to your entire body to balance acidity and alkalinity in your skin cells, giving you a rejuvenating full-body spa experience.

▲Image provided by the Israel Tourism Authority

Extend your journey to Jerusalem, a holy city sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike, holding deep spiritual significance for followers of all three faiths. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is the only remaining structure of the Second Jewish Temple from over two thousand years ago. The renowned Temple Mount is said to be where the biblical patriarch Abraham received God’s covenant. Meanwhile, the Via Dolorosa, winding uphill, retraces the path of Jesus’ crucifixion, allowing visitors to walk in his footsteps from over two millennia ago and immerse themselves in a profoundly moving atmosphere beyond mere tourism.

South of Jerusalem lies Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Originally called Ephrathah, meaning “land of plenty” in Hebrew, it symbolizes abundance. At the heart of Bethlehem is Manger Square, named after the manger where Jesus was born. The Church of the Nativity on the square is believed to be the oldest continuously operating church in the world and is definitely worth a visit.

Whether or not you’re a Christian, setting aside religious boundaries during your travels, a pilgrimage through these holy lands is an extraordinary journey—an immersion in history and culture with profound meaning.

Recommended Itineraries
● Jordan: Explore the Rose-Red City of Petra – 8-Day In-Depth Tour
http://www.gianttour.com.tw/ClassifyProduct.aspx?tripno=T20160715000001

● Jordan & Israel: Ancient Civilizations’ Holy Land – 11-Day Tour
http://www.gianttour.com.tw/ClassifyProduct.aspx?tripno=T20160125000001

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