The Bible and Archeology The Petra Great Temple Free Essay Example, 1750 words

The Great Temple owes some of its design from the Hellenistic influences, but Joukawsky believes there is a distinction of style from the Nabataeans. A horned alter and several betyls (stones that are said to house the essence of a deity) can be found within the structure, indicating the nature of the use of the building. Underneath the Great Temple is a series of canals, most likely used to bring water into the city. These have been discovered through the use of ground penetrating radar techniques and further excavation. This leads to the conclusion that the center alter was removed by Bedouins who used this for their own cultivation in later centuries. Discoveries of fresco on the walls, multiple carved relief areas, and techniques of in-situ decorative plaster include a wall with a purple border surrounding a red wall. Despite some of the assumptions that Petra has traditions within the Old Testament, some of the work within the Great Temple dates only to 100 C. E. The Greek godd ess, Tyche-Fortuna is the patron goddess of the city and a series of reliefs of her can be found that are done in coloration of either yellow and white or red and white. We will write a custom essay sample on The Bible and Archeology: The Petra Great Temple or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page The purpose of the elephant motif is not clear, but the beauty of the work is unquestionable. The purpose of the Great Temple has yet to be discovered. While assumptions can be made about which gods and goddesses were worshipped by the users of the building, the actual rites and traditions have no clear foundation. There is no lack of artifacts or preserved sections of the Temple.