Immerse yourself in the history of the Temple of the Winged Lions, known for its impressive architecture and intricate details.
Situated across from the Qasr al-Bint structure, the temple building showcases a front balcony adorned with columns measuring 9.5 meters in length. Through a spacious gate, one can enter the main temple hall, which boasts a square shape and is encompassed by columns.
The columns of the temple feature capitals adorned with winged lions, giving rise to the temple’s name. The main hall’s floor is paved with a combination of white wavy brown marble, while the platform is paved with white and black marble. The inner walls of the temple are embellished with marble, colored plaster, and plaster. Notably, plaster pieces in the form of human heads, theatrical masks, and flower shapes were discovered and affixed to the walls.
Among the findings, a fragment bearing a Nabataean inscription was unearthed, dating back to the thirtieth and seventh year of King Aretas IV’s reign in 27 AD. This inscription potentially signifies the temple’s establishment, although it is plausible that it existed prior to this date, possibly towards the end of the first century BC. Unfortunately, both the temple and its surrounding facilities were destroyed by an earthquake in 363 AD.
Why not a book a day tour to Petra now to explore the enigma of Nabataen statues of the winged lions?