Petra Tour: High Place of Sacrifice
One of the most beautiful tours in Petra leads to the high sanctuary on the Jabal al-Madhbah, passing the so-called obelisks, and down into Wadi Farasa East.
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South of the altar (in the photo behind it) there is a 4.30 m long boulder, bevelled at the front, with installations for the cult.
A narrow staircase leads to a round bowl recess on the surface. Its last step is extended by a lateral ledge, obviously to make it easier to turn towards the bowl (Ø ca. 110 cm). A second round recess (Ø 44 cm - see the detail photo) with a hole in the middle was hewn into it. From the middle cavity a drain was carved to the outer edge of the block and there further down. Liquids poured into the bowl thus drained off immediately. Libations were probably offered here. According to Dalman, the special shape of the bowl reminds of images of the solar disk with a double circle and a small central ring. (Dalman, p. 171)
In the northern side of this boulder, just next to the stairs, is a small basin with a scoop hole in the ground, which was probably intended for ritual ablutions. A larger basin open at the top on the front of the boulder apparently served the same purpose.
© Photos, text: Haupt & Binder
One of the most beautiful tours in Petra leads to the high sanctuary on the Jabal al-Madhbah, passing the so-called obelisks, and down into Wadi Farasa East.