Jerusalem to Petra with Gertrude Bell: Better Hiker Episode 3
Gertrude Bell was a world traveler remembered for her superior intellect, unrivaled enthusiasm, and thirst for adventure— Bell befriended many of the individuals she encountered in her travels, but she was also thought to be stubborn and unwavering in the face of adversity, never allowing another to cross her without a fight.
In this episode we follow Gertrude Bell on an archaeological journey from Jerusalem to the ruins of Petra, a once capital city in what is now southern Jordan originally built sometime around 9000 B.C. which is famous for its rock-cut architecture. You’re probably most familiar with its portrayal in the third Indiana Jones movie, The Last Crusade. One of Petra’s remaining rock-carved structures was used as the entrance to the temple which housed the Holy Grail.
In The Letters of Gertrude Bell which were selected and edited by her stepmother, Lady Florence Bell, of which you will hear a few of on this podcast episode, Lady Bell says of Gertrude,
“Scholar, poet, historian, archaeologist, art critic, mountaineer, explorer, gardener, naturalist, distinguished servant of the State, Gertrude was all of these, and was recognized by experts as an expert in them all.”
You can learn more about Gertrude Bell by reading the Adventurer Profile we put together highlighting her achievements and adventures.
Music: Bria’s Waltz by tzara
