An Elephantastic Adventure in Petra

by Judith McKenzie

Book cover: An Elephantastic Adventure in Petra

Extent: 32 pages

Publisher: Manar al-Athar, University of Oxford

Subjects: Ancient Near East

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(March 2019)

ISBN: 9780995494640

6.5 x 9.49 inches

Price: $9.95

In stock

An introduction for children to the wonders of Petra, by Judith McKenzie, author of The Architecture of Petra (OUP, 1990). In this marvellous ancient city in Jordan, the Great Temple stands out because its columns had elephant-head capitals. Two of the elephants realise that they have lost their tusks and decide to look for them by exploring Petra.


The marvellous ancient city of Petra in Jordan is very special, because it was carved out of the rose-red stone by the Nabataeans, a people who lived there 2,000 years ago. Among the city’s many monuments and impressive buildings, the Petra Great Temple stands out because its columns had elephant-head capitals. Two elephants, Feal and Zarafeh, are among them. They realise that they have lost their tusks. In order to search for their tusks, they decide to climb down from the capital and start an adventure. During their quest, they explore Petra, visit many places, meet other animals, and make friendships. Will they succeed and find their tusks? To find out, join them in their search, as told in this book, an introduction for children to the wonders of Petra, by Judith McKenzie, author of The Architecture of Petra (Oxford, 1990).

  • By (author) Judith McKenzie