Roman Soldier Tomb | Petra

Information

Landmark: Roman Soldier Tomb
City: Petra
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Roman Soldier Tomb, Petra, Jordan, Asia

The Tomb of the Roman Soldier is a complex funerary monument located in the Wadi Farasa East, south of Petra’s city center. It is part of a unified architectural ensemble that includes an associated courtyard and a grand ceremonial dining hall (triclinium).

Visual Characteristics

The facade features two stories with four massive columns on the lower level and three niches in the upper level containing statues of figures in Roman military dress. The stone exhibits deep red and purple hues with natural horizontal mineral banding. Directly across from the tomb is the Colored Triclinium, which contains the only preserved rock-cut interior in Petra with columns and elaborate architectural moldings.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located 3.5 kilometers from the Petra Visitor Center. It is accessed via the Wadi Farasa trail, which descends from the High Place of Sacrifice or can be reached by walking south from the Great Temple area. Access is exclusively on foot; the path involves rugged terrain, ancient stone steps, and sandy wadi floors.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed in the 1st century AD, the tomb was likely built for a high-ranking Nabataean official or a Romanized local elite following the Roman annexation in 106 AD. The structure is carved into the Umm Ishrin sandstone formation. The site reflects the integration of Roman imperial iconography with traditional Nabataean rock-cutting techniques.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can enter the tomb chambers and the adjacent Colored Triclinium to examine the interior architectural details. The courtyard between the structures allows for the study of the complex's original spatial layout. Photography is focused on the military statues and the vivid interior colors of the triclinium.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site has no modern infrastructure or amenities. The interior chambers provide shade and a significantly cooler temperature than the exposed valley floor. The nearest restrooms and food vendors are located 800 meters away at the Basin or near the Theater. 4G cellular signal is available but can be intermittent due to the surrounding cliffs.

Best Time to Visit

The facade faces west, making 15:00 to 17:00 the best time for photography as the sunlight illuminates the military statues. Early morning visits are preferable for hikers to avoid the peak afternoon heat during the trek through Wadi Farasa.

Facts & Legends

The tomb is named for the three statues in the upper niches wearing Roman-style armor (lorica), which initially led early explorers to believe it was the burial site of a Roman officer. However, it is now understood to be the mausoleum of a wealthy Nabataean family that adopted Roman status symbols.