Over 2,000 years ago, Sig al-Barid served as a waystation for caravans from routes such as Syria, Egypt and Jerusalem. The travelers came here to escape the desert heat, tend to their animals, secure water from a cistern, eat in a dining room and sleep in one of several cool caves. The merchants also conducted active trade during their stopovers plus brought news of events from far away. This town bustled with activity. Today, very few tourists visit Little Petra so you might be able to explore it in solitude. Admission is free and it only takes an hour or two.
