Temple of Adonis, Dura-Europos

The Temple of Adonis spans half a city block with multiple rooms arranged around a central courtyard featuring a two-column portico on its northern side.

French and American archaeologists from Yale University uncovered the temple complex during excavations conducted between 1931 and 1934 under Michael Rostovtzeff's leadership.

The temple walls contained paintings depicting families making sacrifices at fire altars, revealing religious practices of the inhabitants during the Parthian period.

The structure incorporates three primary building materials: mudbrick for walls, plaster for surfaces, and stone for architectural elements and foundations.

Inscriptions dating from 152 to 182 CE document the temple's construction phases, including the addition of a wine cellar and peristyle by individuals named Solaeas and Boubaues.

Location: Al-Salihiyah, Deir ez-Zor Governorate

Made from material: mudbrick, plaster, stone

Part of: Dura-Europos, Block L5, Dura-Europos

GPS coordinates: 34.74771,40.72749

Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:15