In 2023, a team of underwater archaeologists made an exciting discovery off the coast of Puteoli, a port city near Naples, Italy. They found a submerged Nabataean temple, which is a remarkable find since it’s the only one known outside of Nabataea, an area that stretches between the Arabian and Sinai Peninsulas. This discovery sheds light on the ancient Nabataean civilization and its connections to maritime trade during the Roman Empire.
What is the Nabataean Temple?
The Nabataeans were skilled traders who thrived between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, known for their control of crucial trade routes. The temple located in Puteoli provides insights into their culture and worship. The research team presented the first findings, including a reconstruction of parts of the temple, two altars, and several inscribed slabs that hold significant historical value.
The Underwater Research
The project, titled “Between Land and Sea,” was a collaboration involving the Ministry of Culture and the University of Campania. The team conducted underwater surveys along the ripa Puteolana, a submerged area rich in archaeological history. Their research began with photogrammetric aerial surveys in 2022, which guided them to the sanctuary.
During their explorations, they identified two rooms in the temple, marked as Room A and Room B. The walls of these rooms were built using a technique called opus reticulatum, which means they were made of small stones arranged in a network pattern.
In Room A, the archaeologists discovered two altars made of beautiful white Luni marble. The larger altar, known as Altar A1, features eight rectangular recesses, likely used to hold small religious objects. It also bears an inscription dedicated to the god Dusari, a central figure in Nabataean worship. Altar A2 is smaller and has three recesses.
What the Findings Tell Us
The presence of these altars and the inscriptions suggest that this temple was a sacred space for the Nabataeans in Puteoli. It indicates that they integrated themselves into local Roman culture while still honoring their own gods. Interestingly, the inscriptions were written in Latin, showing how the Nabataeans aimed to communicate with the Roman citizens and other traders in the bustling port.
The temple’s construction reflects a mix of local and Nabataean styles, using materials that were readily available in the area. This indicates that the Nabataeans adapted their building practices to fit into the local environment, showcasing their integration into the community.
The Rise and Fall of the Nabataean Community
The discovery of the Nabataean temple reveals much about the community’s role in Puteoli’s vibrant trade scene. During the reign of Augustus (31 BC-AD 14), Puteoli became a key port for grain distribution and commerce. The temple likely served as a gathering place for traders and worshippers, providing a sense of security under the protection of their god Dusari.
However, the fortunes of the Nabataeans changed dramatically during the reign of Emperor Trajan (AD 98–117) when the province of Arabia Petraea was created. This shift diminished the Nabataeans’ trade independence, leading to a decline in their activities and eventually the filling in of the temple around the early 2nd century AD.
The Future of the Research
As researchers continue to excavate and study the site, they hope to uncover more about the temple’s history and the people who once worshipped there. The underwater archaeology project not only enhances our understanding of the Nabataean culture but also emphasizes the importance of Puteoli as a key maritime hub in ancient trade networks.
This fascinating discovery opens a window into the past, highlighting the intricate connections between cultures and the stories hidden beneath the waves. As archaeologists delve deeper, who knows what other secrets this ancient underwater world might reveal?
