Question

read the passage. the ancient city of petra continues to captivate visitors from across the globe. tucked within a secluded valley in southern jordan, it is framed by rose - red sandstone cliffs. over two millennia ago, the ancient builders took advantage of the natural landscape, carving ornate temples and tombs right into the cliffs. the designs blend seamlessly with their mountain environment. the towering facades, adorned with intricate details and elegant columns, showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of petras original residents. beyond its beautiful cliff carvings, petra also exemplifies practical innovation. ingeniously engineered rock - cut water channels and reservoirs enabled the city to store and distribute water, ensuring its survival in the harsh desert environment. today, petra remains a symbol of its creators sophisticated capabilities and vision. the city continues to inspire awe, offering a glimpse into the talents and artistry of people of the past. what is the central idea of the passage? petras stunning red sandstone cliffs draw visitors from around the world even to this day. petras sandstone cliffs were sculpted to add artistic flourishes to practical necessities like fountains. petras architecture and water management reflect the advanced skills of its ancient civilization. petras residents survived in the desert by using water channels and reservoirs to retain water.

Explanation:

The passage highlights Petra's cliff carvings (architecture) and rock-cut water systems (water management), emphasizing they showcase the "exceptional craftsmanship," "practical innovation," and "sophisticated capabilities" of its ancient creators, making this the central idea.

Answer:

Petra's architecture and water management reflect the advanced skills of its ancient civilization.