Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary
Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary North Annex · Marib Site
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical·🇾🇪 Ma'rib, Marib, Yemen
About
About Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary
Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary in Ma'rib, Marib, Yemen is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 15.4070N 45.3430E controls access to Ma'rib resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Ma'rib, Marib, illustrating Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1980 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary main structure
c. 1920
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1980–2010
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
15.4070° N · 45.3430° E · 220 m · 4 mapped features
- Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary — Main StructurestructurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel15.4078° N · 45.3439° E
- Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature15.4060° N · 45.3423° E
- Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial15.4085° N · 45.3442° E
- Marib Awwam Temple Oval Sanctuary — Hydraulic/CisternhydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site15.4054° N · 45.3419° E