Your Guide to the Relic-Filled Ancient Ruins of the Middle East

The Middle East has a rich and fascinating millennia-old history steeped in culture. Off the beaten track with ancient ruins abound, the desert climate has lent itself to the preservation and discovery of this history for future generations.

From Hegra and Al Diwan in Saudi Arabia, to the ancient ruins of Petra and Jerash in Jordan, ending in Türkiye with the spectacular ruins of Ephesus, the routes travelled by the Romans has inspired legends.

We spotlight five Ancient Ruins in the Middle East you should explore to satisfy your inner archaeologist.

Discover ancient civilisations like the remarkable carved Nabatean tombs of Hegra. Hegra, also known as Mada’in Salih, is an archaeological site located in the area of Al-Ula, in the Medina Province of Saudi Arabia.

The arid landscape and the dry climate, as well as the lack of re-settlement, have all led to the astounding  preservation of the ruins at Hegra. All of which provide a visual picture of what the Nabatean lifestyle looked like thousands of years ago.

You’re able to see rock formations like the fifty-two metre high Elephant RocK and ancient tombs carved into towering rock cliffs and adorned with intricate and elaborate inscriptions from over 7,000 years ago. The various languages, scripts and artistic styles shown on the 110 facades of its monumental tombs, demonstrate the many reasons why Hegra was chosen as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. 

Hegra is situated in a desert landscape 20 kilometres north of Al-‘Ula with the site being marked by sandstone outcroppings of various heights. Because of its accessible source of fresh water and fertile soil amid the desert landscape, it became a crossroads for trade and industry. Incense, myrrh and spices were a few of the luxury items that passed through this territory to be traded elsewhere.  

Hegra was also part of a series of fortifications built to protect the Hajj route, and served as a station providing dates, lemons and oranges for pilgrims heading to Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah), the holiest city in Islam, located in western Saudi Arabia.

Remember when booking your trip that self-driving is not allowed.  You can, however, join any number of tours to Hegra. It is best to book well in advance to secure your visit and you can travel either by vintage Land Rover or by luxury coach. A tour company can pick you up from your hotel in Al-‘Ula or from the Winter Park (a huge car park) and will drop you back after the tour. All tours include visits to the various tombs within the historical site complex. 

The best time to visit Hegra is during the winter months (November to February) which offers the best temperatures, which can range from 19 degrees celcius to 37 degrees celsius (at its summer hottest) allowing for pleasant days and evenings. The nights can get chilly in the northern mountains, so wrap up warmly to enjoy your evenings out and about.

Also, in Hegra, visit “Al Diwan”, which is a rock-cut chamber, now known as the “living room” or “court”.  It is believed to have been utilised for Nabatean rituals and banquets.

The chamber of “Al Diwan” is a rectangular space, measuring 127 square metres with ceilings reaching a massive eight metres high. Three stone benches, like that of a formal Roman dining room, arranged around a table, allowed guests to recline while feasting. Around the chamber Nabatean statues have been carved into niches that have been worn down by time and the elements.

The chamber is located near the entrance of a natural corridor, of about 40 metres wide, called Al-Siq and carved into the hillside for protection from the wind.  The area is known for its billowing sandstorms due to the sandy area and high wind speeds (Shamal Winds) that occur in the long, hot and dry temperatures.

Your best option is to select a guided tour as you’ll learn first-hand the importance of the chamber and how it slotted into the Nabatean’s feasting culture.  You can climb the rock itself – although you need to be physically fit. And, you’re also able to camp in the desert, experiencing the monuments as the ancient Nabateans would.

The cooler months from November to March are ideal for visiting Saudi Arabia as the temperatures are manageable and make outdoor exploration easy, without the harshness of the desert sun in summer. 

We suggest booking your trip during the Winter at Tantora Festival as it highlights the region’s cultural heritage and features musical performances, regional dance competitions and brilliant art installations.

Petra, known to the ancient Nabataens as Ragmu, is in the southern part of Jordan, in a valley known as Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses). The UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom and a powerful and wealthy centre for trade and commerce. The bustling city of Petra was founded over 2,000 years ago along an ancient trade route between Arabia, India, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.

As caravans from around the world visited Petra, they brought new ideas, innovations and cultures from places as far flung as China and Greece. And as the years passed, Petra became more than just a centre of trade, it became the cultural hub of the ancient world. Petra grew into a city filled with fertile crops and lush gardens because the Nabataens were experts at water collection and distribution through a complicated system of rock-cut channels and underground water pipes. 

The Siq, a narrow gorge, is a natural geological fault worn smooth by water, and the main entrance to the ancient city of Petra. The huge dam, constructed in 1991, is a replica of how the Nabatean’s controlled and re-routed the waters of Wadi Musa.  

Carved into the sandstone cliffs, Petra is filled with beautifully carved tombs, monuments and houses. Chiselled designs of massive columns, grand staircases and classical statues abound.  You’ll also see winding roads, stairways and water channels cut along the natural mountain curves. The most famous structure of Petra is Al Khazneh (The Treasury) and other notable monuments include Ad-Deir (The Monastery), the Great Temple and Qasr al Bint Faroun (Palace of the Pharaoh’s Daughter).  

Explore Petra on a guided tour, hire a car, catch a JETT bus or go by taxi from Amman- the capital of Jordan,  if you wish to experience Petra on your own. An organised tour is probably best though as it will include your transportation. You could also stay in Wadi Musa, a nearby town, which has become the hub for Petra related tourism.

You can buy tickets at the visitor centre located at the Petra entrance, and most visitors find that they can make their own way around with a map or a guidebook, if you don’t want to consider hiring a local guide. Arrive early in the morning when the site opens at 6:30am to beat the crowds. Petra has two high seasons – March and April and September and October.

Jerash, or the “Pompeii of the Middle East” is 50 kilometres north of Amman, the capital city, and is one of the few complete cities in the world. Inhabited since BC 3,300 it is known for its walled Greco-Roman settlement (called Gerasa at the time).

The ancient city has been gradually revealed through a series of archaeological excavations and the ruined city is famous for its imposing ceremonial gates, colonnaded avenues, temples and theatres. At the extreme south is the striking Hadrian’s Arch and behind this is the hippodrome, which hosted chariot races in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

One of the most important sites of Jerash is the oval shape and enormous size of the forum where 56 columns surround the limestone plaza. Northeast of the forum lies the city’s thoroughfare which is still paved with original stones - you can glimpse the ruts made from chariot wheels along its length. Today, Jerash is a thriving city that is internationally renowned archeologically and is a hub of bustling markets and great places to eat inside the walled city.

Car rental in Jordan is convenient and a number of tourists choose this way to independently explore this fascinating country. To get from Amman to Jerash takes under an hour, and you will get to see a bit of the country during your journey. Catching the bus from Amman takes under an hour, is very affordable and when arriving in Jerash, is only a short walk to the Roman ruins.

Ephesus is a beautiful ancient site in Turkey, originally, a Greek city on the coast of Ionia. It was built in BC 10 as one of the twelve Ionian League cities and is famous for the Temple of Artemis - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world- and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Ephesus has an amphitheatre capable of hosting 24,000 people. One can also view the spectacular “terrace houses” which show how the wealthy once lived.

When visiting Ephesus, start at the Lower North Gate to avoid any backtracking. Prioritise the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and Harbour Street (Marble Road) first. And then go on to the terraced houses which offer a view into the lives of the wealthier citizens of Ephesus.

To get to Ephesus, you could fly to Izmir and from there take a bus, a taxi or a train. A guided tour will include your local transport as well as a knowledgeable guide. If you prefer setting your own itinerary you can buy a eticket online.

• Like most tourist attractions, all Middle Eastern ancient ruins charge an entrance fee.
• We suggest arriving early to beat the crowds and the midday heat, especially during the summer months.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses as there is limited shade.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the surface of the ground is very uneven. You’ll also have to navigate winding pathways in order to get the full benefit of the experience.
• Remember to stay hydrated. Water is an essential item to bring.
• Bear in mind that Middle Eastern ancient sites, are of cultural significance. It's important to dress modestly and respect the local culture.