Heir of Nabataea (Jordan, Petra)

In Jordan, cats are not just stray animals: they are an integral part of the archaeological landscape . In Petra, they are found even in the most remote areas of the site, nestled between royal tombs and temples carved into the sandstone. Their discreet but constant presence evokes a memory even older than that of tourists.

In Near Eastern cultures, the cat has long been considered a protective animal . Among the Nabataeans, although few depictions have survived, its likely role in preserving food and controlling pests made it a valuable companion since ancient times. In early Islam, it was sacred: the Prophet Muhammad is said to have cut off the sleeve of his garment rather than disturb his sleeping cat. At Petra, their territory extends from one tomb to another, as if they had always watched over the place.