About
The Petra Garden and Pool Complex is a name given to a series of structures within the center of the city of Petra. Originally said to be a market area, excavations at the site have allowed scholars to identify it as an elaborate Nabataean garden, which included a large swimming pool, an island-pavilion, and an intricate hydraulic system. This is the only known example of such a structure at Petra, or at other Nabataean sites in the region, and has therefore featured prominently in discussions about the wealth of elites at Petra and the role of water in displaying power and prestige. While other structures, such as the nearby Nymphaeum, also require water management infrastructure, the Petra Garden and Pool Complex is unique in its combination of hydrology, exotic vegetation, and architecture.
