NABATEAN TEMPLE

The remains of this temple belonged to a larger complex including a palace and baths. It was built by the Nabataeans, who are known to have occupied this part of the desert in the first century BC. Inscriptions have determined that this temple was dedicated to the goddess Allat, the equivalent of Athena in Greek mythology. However, inscriptions in Thamudic suggest that this temple was built on top of an earlier sanctuary. The temple consisted of a rectangular podium on which stood 16 columns crowned with Nabataean capitals. The main niche was placed in the center of the podium 60 cm above the ground. The temple was probably erected during the reign of the powerful Aretas IV (9 BC - 40). It was enlarged during the reign of Rabbel II, the last Nabataean king. The walls between the columns were built and eight rooms were added. Another set of 20 rooms was built at the back of the temple probably to house the priests or for administrative functions.

The first ruins you will see as you enter the enclosure are the remains of a Roman palace and baths dating back to the late first century. The building consisted of a set of 28 rooms richly decorated with plaster moldings. Archaeologists believe that the building was the residence of an important religious figure. The baths incorporated the latest techniques in use at the time, including a frigidarium, a tepidarium and a caldarium heated by a furnace located under the room.