Obelisk Tomb & Bab as-Siq

The Obelisk Tomb and Bab as-Siq Triclinium, carved into the rose-red cliffs near the entrance to Petra, form a unique Nabataean monument. Both were built at the same time during the reign of Malichos II (40 – 70 A.D.). The upper section features four slender obelisks (the highest measuring 7 m), likely symbolizing the deceased, crowning a classical-style façade. Below lies a burial chamber carved into the rock. Beneath the tomb is the Bab as-Siq Triclinium, a rock-cut chamber used for ritual feasts honoring the dead. Its name refers to the dining couches (triclinium) once placed there. Together, the two levels reflect a blend of Nabataean religious practices and Greco-Roman architectural influence, showcasing Petra’s rich cultural heritage.