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The altar complex at Petra’s Great High Place, located above the Main Theater, stands on a mountain more than 3,000 feet above sea level and some 1,000 feet above its surroundings. It contains a number of sacrificial settings, including this altar, which is approached by steps.

This High Place, one of many, together with temples, theaters and hundreds of tombs, gives Petra the appearance of a huge national religious center, rather than a city for the living. The author points out that no clear evidence of residences has been found at the site.