The Ornate Triclinium (Painted Biclinium)
200 BC – AD 200
The Ornate Triclinium is one of the most prominent funerary banquet halls in Petra and represents a unique example of Nabataean interior architecture entirely carved into the rock. Located opposite the Tomb of the Roman Soldier, it is the only chamber within its funerary complex that contains internal architectural decorations carved directly into its walls, making it a monument of exceptional archaeological and aesthetic value.
The Nabataeans used this triclinium as a hall for funerary banquets held to honor the deceased and commemorate their memory. The architectural features within reflect advanced engineering knowledge, as the chamber was carefully planned to provide suitable space for seating and for organizing religious and ceremonial rituals, highlighting the importance of such structures in Nabataean practices.
The most distinctive feature of the Ornate Triclinium is the natural decoration adorning its walls. The sandstone into which the chamber was carved contains natural mineral layers that produce gradations of red, orange, yellow, and brown, giving the walls a richly patterned appearance resembling natural paintings. Geological studies indicate that these colors were not artificially applied but are natural formations dating back millions of years, which became clearly visible after the carving process.
Originally, the triclinium was covered with a layer of colored plaster, a decorative technique used by the Nabataeans to enhance details and conceal tool marks. Over time, most of the plaster eroded away, revealing the striking natural colors of the sandstone, which have become the defining feature that gave the monument its name, “the Ornate Triclinium.”
The interior design includes three stone benches running along the sides of the chamber, used for seating during funerary banquets, as well as niches and simple geometric decorations suggesting the presence of ritual symbols or religious elements used during ceremonies. These features indicate that the triclinium formed part of a complete architectural complex associated with the adjacent tomb, confirming its significance in religious and social rituals.
The Ornate Triclinium is a clear example of Nabataean creativity in interior architecture and their skill in transforming a single rock mass into a fully integrated architectural space that balances beauty and function. Today, it is considered one of the most visually striking sites in Petra due to its natural colors and architectural uniqueness, attracting researchers and visitors from around the world to explore this distinctive Nabataean heritage.