Petra Tour: Siq al-Barid - Little Petra
Deep canyon with remarkable rock-cut buildings and unique murals, which was part of an important Nabataean trading base, 6 km north of the centre of Petra.
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On the left, a betyl - see the photo of the detail.
© Photos: Haupt & Binder
Deep canyon with remarkable rock-cut buildings and unique murals, which was part of an important Nabataean trading base, 6 km north of the centre of Petra.
A betyl (Semitic: bait-el = house of God; Greek: baitylos) is an aniconical God symbol, usually in the form of a vertical rectangular plate or stele. It can also be a negative form in a niche. Often there are several betyls in a niche next to each other, on top of each other or grouped together. "The betyl is not a representation of the God, neither an image of the God, nor an idol. As a medium of the presence of the God, however, it can also experience cultic veneration. This in turn means that in the act of worship, one could offer sacrifices and gifts to the betyl." (R. Wenning, 2007. Transl. UiU)