Temple of the Winged Lions, Nabataean temple in Petra, Jordan
The Temple of the Winged Lions is a Nabataean sanctuary featuring a central shrine surrounded by columns topped with sculpted lion heads in stone. The structure displays the refined architecture and skilled craftsmanship of the Nabataeans, with marble flooring and intricate stonework throughout its layout.
The temple was built during the reign of King Aretas IV and remained an important sanctuary for the Nabataeans for hundreds of years. A major earthquake in the 4th century destroyed the structure and ended its use as an active religious center.
The temple functioned as a place where worshippers brought offerings and participated in ceremonies central to Nabataean faith and community life. The workshops discovered on-site reveal that people made religious objects here, showing how closely spiritual practice and daily craft work were connected.
The sanctuary sits on the northern bank of Wadi Musa and is easily reached from the Colonnaded Street in the main area. Visitors should bring water and wear sun protection, as this part of the site receives full sun exposure with minimal shade.
Excavations uncovered twelve columns topped with lion figures, an unusual number in Nabataean architecture that makes this design notable. The presence of gold and silver traces in the workshop areas reveals how wealthy worshippers contributed to this sacred place.
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