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Temple of the Winged Lions
The Temple of the Winged Lions is a large Nabatean temple complex located in Petra, Jordan, and dated to the reign of King Aretas IV (9 BCE–40 CE). The temple is located in Petra's so-called Sacred Quarter, an area situated at the end of Petra's main Colonnaded Street consisting of two majestic temples, the Qasr al-Bint and, opposite, the Temple of the Winged Lions on the northern bank of Wadi Musa.
The temple is likely dedicated to the supreme goddess figure of the Nabateans, but the exact identity of this goddess is uncertain. Temple of Winged Lions was ultimately destroyed in the massive earthquake of 363 CE.
Analyses of the architecture, goods, and practices associated with the Temple of the Winged Lions afford valuable insights into Nabataean religion, economy, and culture. Inscription found at the temple offer a glimpse into the details of Nabataean law and order associated with religious ritual, worship, and the allocation and generation of temple revenue.
The grand entrance of the temple consists of a large double colonnade running 85m in length and ending in a porch 9.5m in length flanked on either side by large columns. This doorway then leads into a 100 m2 cella flanked by a mixture of engaged and standing columns. Within the temple were found fragments of twelve columns topped with winged lion figures, giving the temple its modern name.
Opposite the doorway are two sets of stairs leading up to a raised platform and altar with niches built into the walls behind it. These niches held religious figurines, offerings, and other objects
To the southwest and west within the temple are located a complex of room-dividing wall structures within a singular, massive space, thought to have housed a variety of different workshops dedicated to painting, metal-working, marble-working, and grain processing, as well as the production of other objects for use both inside of the temple itself and for export. Little is known about the east side of the temple except that it contained a large subterranean drain canal.
The interior walls of the temple were originally decorated with stucco, marble, and/or plaster and painted in bright reds, greens, yellows, black and white as well as adorned with intricate frescos reminiscent of Greek "initiation" scenes at Pompeii. However, the temple has been re-purposed in several phases throughout its existence and the decoration was eventually painted over in neutral tones at the same time new floral designs and marble bases were applied to standing columns within the space. Though the exact date of this alteration is unknown, it's thought to have been ordered by King Aretas IV's successor, King Malichus.
The temple was arguably dedicated to the supreme goddess of the Nabateans, as suggested by an inscription found on an "Eye Baetyl" in the temple, reading: "the goddess of... son of...". The "Eye Baetyl" or "Eye-Idol" is one of the most iconic items recovered from the tomb, a square limestone stele decorated with two eyes and a long nose, representative of the goddess and most likely utilized as an object of worship.
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Temple of the Winged Lions
The Temple of the Winged Lions is a large Nabatean temple complex located in Petra, Jordan, and dated to the reign of King Aretas IV (9 BCE–40 CE). The temple is located in Petra's so-called Sacred Quarter, an area situated at the end of Petra's main Colonnaded Street consisting of two majestic temples, the Qasr al-Bint and, opposite, the Temple of the Winged Lions on the northern bank of Wadi Musa.
The temple is likely dedicated to the supreme goddess figure of the Nabateans, but the exact identity of this goddess is uncertain. Temple of Winged Lions was ultimately destroyed in the massive earthquake of 363 CE.
Analyses of the architecture, goods, and practices associated with the Temple of the Winged Lions afford valuable insights into Nabataean religion, economy, and culture. Inscription found at the temple offer a glimpse into the details of Nabataean law and order associated with religious ritual, worship, and the allocation and generation of temple revenue.
The grand entrance of the temple consists of a large double colonnade running 85m in length and ending in a porch 9.5m in length flanked on either side by large columns. This doorway then leads into a 100 m2 cella flanked by a mixture of engaged and standing columns. Within the temple were found fragments of twelve columns topped with winged lion figures, giving the temple its modern name.
Opposite the doorway are two sets of stairs leading up to a raised platform and altar with niches built into the walls behind it. These niches held religious figurines, offerings, and other objects
To the southwest and west within the temple are located a complex of room-dividing wall structures within a singular, massive space, thought to have housed a variety of different workshops dedicated to painting, metal-working, marble-working, and grain processing, as well as the production of other objects for use both inside of the temple itself and for export. Little is known about the east side of the temple except that it contained a large subterranean drain canal.
The interior walls of the temple were originally decorated with stucco, marble, and/or plaster and painted in bright reds, greens, yellows, black and white as well as adorned with intricate frescos reminiscent of Greek "initiation" scenes at Pompeii. However, the temple has been re-purposed in several phases throughout its existence and the decoration was eventually painted over in neutral tones at the same time new floral designs and marble bases were applied to standing columns within the space. Though the exact date of this alteration is unknown, it's thought to have been ordered by King Aretas IV's successor, King Malichus.
The temple was arguably dedicated to the supreme goddess of the Nabateans, as suggested by an inscription found on an "Eye Baetyl" in the temple, reading: "the goddess of... son of...". The "Eye Baetyl" or "Eye-Idol" is one of the most iconic items recovered from the tomb, a square limestone stele decorated with two eyes and a long nose, representative of the goddess and most likely utilized as an object of worship.