Its one of the largest cultic areas in Petra - there are many smaller ones located amongst the mountains that surround the ancient city. These sites were likely used for a variety of religious rites, which probably included sacrifices. It is possible that this particular cultic area was in use since the time of the Edomites in the Iron Age. The Nabataeans, as with many other Semitic peoples, sometimes worshipped their gods in open-air high places and appear to have offered sacrifices to them. The cult complex before you includes a rectangular courtyard with three carved benches, or a 'triclinium', and a low table at its center that may have been the seat of the master of the ceremony. An altar stands to the west on which baetyls (stone blocks representing a god) were placed. To the left of this is a platform with a carved circular basin which was possibly used to collect rainwater for purification and a cup-shaped recess with a drain that may have received the blood from sacrificed animals. Sacrificial remains recovered from other Nabataean religious sites include burnt offerings of cereal grains and livestock. The High Place of Sacrifice offers panoramic views over Petra, Wadi Mousa and Aaron's tomb.