Petra Tour: Winged Lions Temple
Sacred complex whose cultic chamber with a raised podium had columns surrounding it that were adorned with unique “winged lion” capitals.
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The temple's inner sanctuary (cella) measuring 17.42 x 17.42 m features a central podium, or mōtab, the typical Nabataean ‘seat’ of the deity when it is represented as betyl. Around the square platform rise twelve columns which used to bear the famous capitals with the winged lions in place of the corner volutes, probably supporting a kind of baldachin. The winged lions are considered to be apotropaic symbols, acting as guardians of the shrine. Five-step stairways at both front corners provided access through iron doors (as indicated by traces of rust). The podium's floor was decorated with black and white marble slabs in geometric patterns. At the back of the platform there is a small crypt, presumably for cultic elements. Lead staples found suggest that the spaces between the built-in columns were closed off with curtains. Flanking aisles with further columns create a narrow corridor around which the cult platform could be circumambulated in ritual procession.
The inner walls of the chamber, painted in vibrant colors and adorned with elaborate stucco moldings, featured shallow niches for the display of cult objects and gifts offered to the goddess. Findings and calculations indicate that originally there was a second floor. The walls of the colonnaded second story would have been pierced by windows.
© Photos, text: Haupt & Binder
Sacred complex whose cultic chamber with a raised podium had columns surrounding it that were adorned with unique “winged lion” capitals.
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)