Temple of Bel, Ancient temple ruins in Tadmur, Syria.
The Temple of Bel is an ancient ruin in Tadmur, Syria, built from massive stone blocks. A rectangular enclosure wall surrounds the large courtyard where the main sanctuary once stood.
Construction started in the year 32 and continued for over a century until the sanctuary was complete. Through the centuries the complex became a fortress, then a Christian church, and later a mosque.
Three Greek architects contributed to the temple design, creating a structure that merged Near Eastern religious elements with classical Mediterranean architectural features.
The site is located in a region that has been affected by conflict in the past, so travelers should check the current security situation before visiting. The location is in the center of Tadmur and can be reached on foot from the old town.
Reliefs in the northern chamber show processions of priests and worshippers carrying offerings, while the ceiling displays cosmological representations. These carvings give insight into the ritual activities that once took place within the complex.
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