Lion Fountain

Jebel al-Madhbah, Petra

The now-headless fountain was supplied with diverted water that ran down the cut channel and out of the lion's mouth. It must have been very welcome to pilgrims on their way to the top. As Petra fell into decline, the water shunt was neglected and eventually became blocked up, causing an overflow that is marked by white deposits in the natural runoff channel to the right.