The oldest Jordanian temple complex was probably dedicated to Baal, archaeologists say. This was reported on May 30 by the Science in Poland portal.
In the temples in Khirbat es-Sar, very close to the capital - Amman, archaeologists got in 2018, when, after long excavations, they were able to find a way there. Khirbat es Sar is also known as Sarah. It is a temple complex erected on the top of a hill and used from the 7th-6th centuries BC. e. to IV century AD e.
Jordanian ruins. Dr. Burdajewicz.
The discovery of this place is a whole story. Travelers of the late 19th century have found mention of it, but archaeologists were able to get to Khirbat es-Sar only in 2018.
First of all, work was carried out in which specialists used geophysical equipment. This helped to find underground architectural monuments, as well as identify the most promising sites for excavations.
The temple complex consists of two parts: a building and a courtyard. The square building is built of huge stone blocks, its wall is 20 m long. In front of this building there is a rectangular courtyard.
Scientists have determined that these parts were created at different times: the building - in the 7th century BC. B. C., and the courtyard - at the beginning of A. D. e.
Who was worshiped in this temple is not clear. Experts suggest that the object of worship could be Fogor (in a sense, the "analogue" of Zeus), Belphegor or Baal.
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Archaeologists found out that in the 9th-10th centuries the courtyard was altered and a small building was built.
Archaeologists at work. Dr. Mariusz.
During the excavation, the researchers found many artifacts. They especially noted fragments of handmade ceramic vessels, among which one can distinguish kitchen pots, bowls and jugs painted in geometric and abstract patterns.
Fragments of ceramic vessels. Dr. Burdajewicz.
The building was little used - traces of human presence were found mainly between the 5th and 7th centuries. “However, it is likely that the well-preserved remains of Roman architecture in the form of a pagan temple were used somehow during this period, perhaps as a place of Christian worship, or as cells of hermits,” says Professor Mlinarchik.
The presence of Christians was confirmed by the image of a cross on the ruins in the courtyard.
In addition to artifacts, archaeologists also found burials - four graves. However, scientists have not yet been able to determine their age. “Most likely, these are the Bedouin burials of the late Ottoman period, starting from the 19th century,” the historian notes.