Beidha Neolithic Village | Petra

Information

Landmark: Beidha Neolithic Village
City: Petra
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Beidha Neolithic Village, Petra, Jordan, Asia

Beidha is a significant archaeological site located north of Petra, containing both a Pre-Pottery Neolithic B settlement and a later Nabataean agricultural complex. It is one of the oldest known inhabited sites in the world, dating back to approximately 7200 BC.

Visual Characteristics

The Neolithic ruins consist of clusters of low, circular and rectangular stone foundations built from local limestone. These subterranean dwellings feature communal hearths and specialized rooms for food processing. Reconstructed models of the traditional reed-and-mud-roofed houses are present on-site to illustrate the original appearance of the settlement.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated 9 kilometers north of Wadi Musa and 0.5 kilometers from Little Petra. Access is via a paved road to the Little Petra parking area, followed by a short, flat 10-minute walk through an open sandy plain. The terrain is level and requires no strenuous climbing. There is no entry fee beyond the standard Petra ticket.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Beidha was inhabited by Natufian hunters and later by Neolithic farmers who transitioned from gathering wild grains to domesticating plants and animals. Excavations by archaeologist Diana Kirkbride in the 1950s and 60s revealed distinct layers of occupation. The site is located in a transition zone between the sandstone mountains of Petra and the limestone plateaus to the north.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk through the excavated "houses" to see original stone thresholds and grinding stones left in situ. The site offers a rare opportunity to observe the evolution of human architecture from round to rectilinear floor plans. It is a key location for understanding the "Neolithic Revolution" in the Near East.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Minimal infrastructure exists at the Neolithic site. Visitors use the facilities (restrooms, cafes, and parking) located at the entrance to Little Petra. The area is fully exposed to the sun; no shade is available among the ruins. 4G cellular signal is reliable.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (08:00–10:00) provides the most comfortable temperatures and softest light for photography of the stone foundations. Because it is less frequented than Petra, it remains quiet throughout the day.

Facts & Legends

Evidence found at Beidha-including obsidian from Turkey and seashells from the Red Sea-proves that even in 7000 BC, this region was a major crossroads for long-distance trade. The site was abandoned in the late Neolithic period for unknown reasons, possibly due to environmental degradation or shifting water sources.