Winged Lion Temple, Gobernación De Ma’an, Jordan
The temple was revealed by an electronic sounding in 1973, and since 1974 excavation at the Temple of the winged lions became a major part of the activities of the American Expedition to Petra, directed by Dr Philip Hammond from Utah University.
The temple has a porch in antis measuring 9.50m in length, from which a wide doorway leads into a square calla (measuring 17.40×17.40) with engaged columns and two rows of free standing columns.
Opposite the doorway there is a raised altar platform (1.30m high) with steps built into either end of the front, which were closed by iron gates. The discovery of lead ties suggests that the platform may have been curtained. Processions were probably performed around the altar- platform where the idols were standing. One of them is decorated with a stylized human face and bears the Nabataean inscription “the goddess of Hayyan Bin Nybat”.
In the rear wall of the platform there was a niche for offerings to the temple. A diorite statuette of Osiris, dated to the sixth century Bc, was discovered at the temple and was probably stored as a sacred relic. Other figurines and a statuette representing mourning Isis suggest that the temple was dedicated to Isis and Osiris, identified with Dusares (Dhu- shara) and al- ‘Uzza- Aphrodite.
Epic Jordan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
Own or work here?
