Chalcolithic Temple of Ein Gedi, Chalcolithic sanctuary near Dead Sea, Israel.
The Chalcolithic Temple of Ein Gedi is an archaeological sanctuary near the Dead Sea with multiple stone structures arranged around a central courtyard. The buildings sit on a rock terrace above Ein Gedi springs and display a carefully planned layout with defined functional areas.
The sanctuary dates to the 4th millennium BCE and was explored through excavations beginning in 1962, which uncovered building remains, stone benches, and a horn-shaped altar shrine. These discoveries show the site was visited over time by people who maintained ritual practices at this location.
The temple served as a gathering place for nomadic communities in the region who performed shared rituals and ceremonies here. The layout reveals how these people organized their religious practices and which activities held sacred meaning for them.
The site is reachable via a hiking trail from the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve visitor center and lies relatively close to Highway 90. The climb requires some sure-footedness, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Excavations uncovered 429 ritual objects that had been carefully hidden in a nearby cave, suggesting these items were intentionally stored away for preservation or safekeeping. This discovery provides insight into how people valued and protected their most important religious objects.
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