The Temple of the Winged Lions
The Temple of the Winged Lions is one of the most important Nabataean temples in Petra. It derives its name from the stone carvings of winged lions that once crowned the interior columns and decorated parts of the façade and interior, reflecting the advanced artistic level achieved by Nabataean architecture during this period.
The temple consists of a rectangular structure divided into two main areas:
The ritual chamber, an inner space dedicated to worship and the performance of religious rites.
The entrance portico, which leads to the forecourt.
The temple stands on a square platform surrounded by ten columns that once formed the main façade. These columns lead to a principal entrance opening into an interior space divided into smaller courts, reflecting the precision of the temple’s architectural and ritual organization. The inner sanctuary is characterized by relatively simple designs combined with finely executed decorative details, as well as architectural elements bearing traces of colored plaster discovered on several walls.
One of the most significant discoveries within the sanctuary is a gypsum stone relief depicting a woman’s face, believed to represent one of the goddesses worshipped in the region. Archaeological studies suggest that the temple may have been associated with the worship of the goddess Al-‘Uzza or another female deity venerated by the Nabataeans, a hypothesis supported by the symbols and decorative elements uncovered at the site.
Research has also shown that the temple functioned not only as a religious center but also as a hub for specialized production activities, including:
Marble and stone polishing workshops
Metalworking workshops
Facilities for oil extraction and production
Tools and installations indicating economic activities linked to production and trade
Scholars suggest that these activities played an important role in financing the temple’s maintenance and supporting its ritual needs, indicating that the temple served as both a religious and economic institution. The discovery of water channels and a sophisticated drainage system further demonstrates the Nabataeans’ awareness of the importance of protecting the structure from floods and moisture, highlighting their advanced knowledge of water management and architectural engineering.
Owing to these features, the Temple of the Winged Lions stands as an important testament to religious, architectural, and artistic development in Petra during the Nabataean period. It is one of the key sites that illustrates the cultural richness and civilizational prosperity of the Rose City.