Petra Qasr al-Bint Temple Adyton
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical·🇯🇴 Ma'an, Petra, Jordan
About
About Petra Qasr al-Bint Temple Adyton
Petra Qasr al-Bint Temple Adyton in Ma'an, Petra, Jordan 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 30.3290N 35.4440E controls access to Ma'an 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'an, Petra, 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
- 1981 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Petra Qasr al-Bint Temple Adyton main structure
c. 1921
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1981–2011
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Petra Qasr al-Bint Temple Adyton) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
30.3290° N · 35.4440° E · 227 m · 3 mapped features
Petra Qasr al-Bint Temple Adyton — Main Structure
structurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
30.3298° N · 35.4449° EPetra Qasr al-Bint Temple Adyton — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
30.3280° N · 35.4433° EPetra Qasr al-Bint Temple Adyton — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
30.3305° N · 35.4452° E