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Underwater temple dating back to ancient times discovered near Naples coastline
According to a report from Ancient Origins, archaeologists from two universities in Naples, Italy have discovered the remains of an ancient temple that had been submerged in the western Mediterranean for 2,000 years.
The temple, which was dedicated to the god Dushara, is believed to have been built during a time when the Nabataean people inhabited the Phlegrean Peninsula. The discovery of two Roman marble altars confirmed its link to the Nabateans, who were living under the control of the Roman Empire at that time.
The discovery sheds new light on the Nabataean presence in the region and demonstrates the extent of commercial, cultural, and religious exchanges in the Mediterranean basin during ancient times.
Historians note that during the Imperial era of Rome, the Nabataean Kingdom established a base of operations on the Italian coast, with Puteoli being the largest commercial port in the Roman Mediterranean. This made it an ideal location for the trade-minded Nabataeans.
Dr. Shevy Rothman’s photo shows fish swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, where climate change has caused some animals to migrate to deeper waters.
Recent archaeological discoveries reveal evidence of a prosperous Nabataean society in the submerged city of Puteoli off the coast of Pozzuoli, central Italy. The discovery highlights the Nabataean’s religious dedication and offers insight into their lifestyle during their stay in Italy. This news was reported by Ancient Origins.
Nabataean people: A brief history
The Nabataeans emerged onto the historical scene with a sophisticated culture between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE.
The Nabataean people had a long history, living in the harsh desert regions of Arabia and the southern Levant for centuries as a nomadic group.
Despite being in contact with Babylonians and the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the Nabataeans remained unconquered due to their territory in the arid desert.
The Nabataeans emerged as a people with a rich culture between the fourth and second centuries BCE and formed a loose confederation of various groups that eventually became the Nabataean Kingdom.
They thrived through trade networks, extending their control throughout the Arabian and Sinai Peninsulas and deep into the Levant.
Their capital, Petra, grew into a major regional trading center.
The Nabataeans were renowned for their fierce independence and resilience in the face of challenges.
They eventually formed a powerful alliance with the Roman Empire, greatly enhancing their commercial prospects. However, in 160 CE, the Roman emperor Trajan annexed all Nabataean Kingdom lands, ending their independence for the first time in 1,000 years.
The recent discovery of the Nabatean temple submerged in the Mediterranean Sea represents an exciting find for archaeologists and historians, providing insight into the cultural and religious exchanges in the ancient Mediterranean basin.
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