Petra and Beida (Jordan): two adjacent archaeological sites up to an exploitation of geomorphology-related topics for a cultural and touristic development

ABSTRACT - Petra and Beida are two adjacent archaeological sites in southern Jordan characterised by both a striking monumental heritage, and an imposing geomorphologic landscape. These sites, besides preserving important remainders of protohistorical cultures, contain the most important Nabatean vestiges of the entire Middle-East and have more recent, Roman, Crusade and Islamic, significant remains as well. On account of the importance of their archaeological and monumental heritage, the two sites are included in the UNESCO's World Heritage list and are the heart sites of a National Archaeologic Park. Less known, yet not less interesting, is the rich and striking geomorphologic heritage of the Petra-Beida area, characterised by tectonic troughs alternating with steep mountains riddled by canyons and passages to form a town of rocks. The intrinsic beauty and significance of landforms and landscapes could be the driving elements for touristic and educational aims, towards an integration of the geomorphologic heritage with the archaeological-monumental one. In this connection, both Nabatean water management systems and historical burials of monumental areas by flood events are primary links to an integrated approach, suitable for being exploited for tourism and cultural goals. Ongoing researches by means of GPS systems and laser scanning allowed us the detailed reconstruction of both parts of the Nabatean water systems and historical alluvial fills. The digital elaboration and modellisation, as well as computer simulations and reconstructions, besides their intrinsic scientific meaning, can be powerful tools for tourism improvement and educational work.