According to several rock inscriptions, the temple was dedicated to Allat, sister goddess of aI-‘Uzza (venerated in Petra), and equated with the Greek goddess Athena and the Roman Minerva. The Nabataean inscription recorded by Savignac in 1932 that relates Wadi Rum with the ancient name of Iram mentions "Allat, the goddess of Iram, for ever.” But a Thamudic dedicatory inscription found on a reused block in the temple indicates that there was an earlier sanctuary to the same goddess built by other nomadic tribes.
The Nabataean structure is dated to the late first century BC to early first century AD. It resembles other Nabatean sanctuaries, like the Temple of the Winged Lions in Petra. In the first architectural phase, probably during the reign of Aretas IV, a rectangular podium was erected, with sixteen columns crowned with Nabataean capitals. Originally free-standing, they were later connected by screen-walls, which still exist on three sides of the monument. The podium is accessed through a narrow stairway with seven steps. The central shrine, raised 60 cm above the podium, was open on its eastern side. In front of it, the flooring of the podium was covered with hexagonal sandstone slabs.
Under Rabbel II, eight rooms were added, as well as two staircases in the rear angles, providing access to a partially terraced roof. Behind the temple and following its general orientation can be seen the remains of a large complex of 20 rooms, probably built during the latest phase of the temple. The temple is thought to have also functioned as a civic and administrative center.