Archaeologists Discover 2,000-Year-Old Temple of an Ancient Arab Civilization Off the Coast of Italy

In a remarkable archaeological find, researchers have uncovered a 2,000-year-old temple dedicated to Dushara, the supreme god of the Nabataean civilization, submerged off the coast of Pozzuoli, Italy. This ancient structure, which dates back to the time when the Nabataeans thrived in northern Arabia, offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of a civilization that played a significant role in ancient trade networks.

The Significance of the Nabataean Temple

The Nabataean civilization flourished from the fourth century B.C.E. until its annexation by the Roman Empire in 106 C.E. During its peak, the Nabataeans were known for their impressive architectural achievements, including the iconic rock-cut tombs in Petra, Jordan. The discovery of the temple in Pozzuoli, a bustling Roman port city known as Puteoli in antiquity, highlights the extent of Nabataean influence and their active participation in trade with the Romans.

Archaeologists have been searching for evidence of the temple since the 18th century, but it wasn’t until recent underwater mapping efforts that they were able to locate the structure. The temple features two distinct rooms separated by Roman-style walls, adorned with altars made of white marble and inscriptions dedicated to Dushara. This blend of Nabataean religious elements with Roman architectural styles raises intriguing questions about the interactions between these two cultures.

The temple’s intentional burial when the Nabataeans left the region adds another layer of mystery to the site. Researchers are now investigating the reasons behind the abandonment and the circumstances that led to the temple being filled with concrete and broken pottery. This act of burial suggests a deliberate effort to preserve the sanctity of the site, even as the Nabataeans departed.

Archaeologists Discover 2,000-Year-Old Temple

Unveiling the Temple’s Layout and Features

The recent discovery was made during a seafloor mapping project in 2023, which aimed to explore the underwater landscape off Pozzuoli. Michele Stefanile, one of the study’s authors, expressed surprise at the unexpected find. The research team identified two rooms beneath the water’s surface, revealing Latin inscriptions that read “Dusari sacrum,” meaning “consecrated to Dushara.” This confirmation of the temple’s dedication to the Nabataean god provides valuable insights into the religious practices of the time.

While the exact appearance of the temple remains uncertain, it is believed to have been an open-air sacellum, or shrine. The presence of white marble altars and sacred stones indicates that the site was a significant place of worship for the Nabataeans. The combination of Nabataean religious practices with Roman architectural elements suggests a unique cultural exchange that occurred in this vibrant port city.

The discovery of the temple not only enriches our understanding of the Nabataean civilization but also sheds light on the broader context of trade and cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean world. As the Nabataeans established their presence in Puteoli, they brought with them their customs, beliefs, and goods, contributing to the diverse tapestry of Roman society.

The Decline of Nabataean Influence

The annexation of Nabataea by the Roman Empire in 106 C.E. marked a significant turning point for the Nabataeans. Once a thriving trading community, they faced new challenges under Roman control, which altered their trade routes and economic opportunities. The temple in Puteoli was likely abandoned around this time, as the Nabataeans lost their privileges and ability to freely trade in the region.

The Romans, known for their reverence for sacred spaces, chose to fill the temple rather than destroy it, reflecting their respect for the religious significance of the site. This act of preservation, albeit unintentional, has allowed modern archaeologists to uncover the remnants of the Nabataean presence in Italy, providing a tangible connection to a civilization that once thrived in the ancient world.

As researchers continue to study the temple and its artifacts, they hope to gain further insights into the lives of the Nabataeans and their interactions with the Roman Empire. The discovery serves as a reminder of the rich history that lies beneath the surface of our modern world, waiting to be explored and understood.

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