Despite its name, the Treasury was not a treasury at all. One popular legend suggests that it held the riches of an Egyptian pharaoh, hence the name. However, archaeologists believe it was likely a royal tomb or temple, possibly for King Aretas IV.
The site remains a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Jordan, accessible through the Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to its dramatic unveiling. The Treasury gained worldwide fame after appearing in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Today, it stands as a testament to Nabataean craftsmanship and remains one of the most well-preserved structures in Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.