Temple of the Winged Lions

About Temple of the Winged Lions

The Temple of the Winged Lions is a large Nabatean temple complex located in Petra, Jordan, and dated to the reign of King Aretas IV. The temple is located in Petra's so-called Sacred Quarter, an area situated at the end of Petra's main Colonnaded Street consisting of two majestic temples, the Qasr al-Bint and, opposite, the Temple of the Winged Lions on the northern bank of Wadi Musa.

The Temple of the Winged Lions is a large Nabataean temple complex on the north bank of Wadi Musa in Petra's "Sacred Quarter" at the end of the Colonnaded Street, facing Qasr al-Bint across the stream bed. It was built in the reign of King Aretas IV (9 BC–40 AD) and was most likely dedicated to the chief Nabataean goddess, probably al-Uzza, though Atargatis and Isis have also been proposed. Its modern name comes from its distinctive capitals: fragments of twelve columns topped with winged lions were found in the rubble. The temple was approached along a double colonnade 85 m long leading to a raised central chamber with a platform for the deity. It was more than a place of worship: excavation of the western wing uncovered specialised workshops for painting, metalworking, marble carving and grain processing, and for producing oils and incense, so the complex was a religious and economic centre at once. The earthquake of 363 destroyed it and it was never rebuilt. The American archaeologist Philip Hammond excavated the site from 1973, and since 2009 a conservation and restoration project has involved members of the neighbouring Bedouin villages at every stage of the work. What visitors see today is the temple platform, column bases and low walls.

Where:

Petra, Jordan