Khirbet et-Tannur (Arabic: خربة التنور) is an ancient Nabataean temple situated on top of Jebel Tannur, in today's Jordan. Based on the cults statues iconography, whether the temple was dedicated to the fertility goddess Atargatis and Zeus-Hadad, or perhaps other gods of their own in that form is not yet certain.[1] The only inscription which mentioned a deity was in reference to the Edomite god Qos, who was the equivalent of the Arab god Quzah, the god of the sky.[2]
Etymology
Khirbet means ruins in Arabic, and tannur means oven. Khirbet, as well as the definite article, can be transliterated with an e or an a, and the article with an l or a t, so we can have Khirbet et-Tannur, Khirbet el-Tannur, Khirbat at-Tannur, Khirbat al-Tannur, sometimes also ...Tannour, the article can be left out, etc.
Layout and purpose
Nabataean sculpture of Eagle wrestling with Serpent, Khirbet et-Tannur
The remains of Khirbet et-Tannur consists only of the temple complex on an isolated mountain top, which indicate a site solely functioning as a religious high place similar to those in other Nabataean regions.[3]
Jebel et-Tannur or Mount Tannur rises at the confluence of two valleys, the larger Wadi Hasa and Wadi La'ban.
Construction phases
While no dating is established, the temple went through three different phases. The earliest phase of the temple is usually dated around 8-7 BC on the account of an inscription engraved on a small stone block.[4] The final phase was dated by Nelson Glueck judging from the temple's sculptures and architectural principles to about the first quarter of the second century AD.[5]
Nabataean depiction of Atargatis from Khirbet et-Tannur that was placed over the entrance of the inner temenos enclosure
Rituals
A study of ceramics, animal bones and charred plant remains has shown social memories were created through various eating and drinking practices.[6]
2013. J. McKenzie, J. Greene, A.T. Reyes, et al.,The Nabataean Temple at Khirbet et-Tannur, Jordan,Volume 1. Architecture and Religion, Annual of the American Schools of Oriental Research 67.[1]
2013. J. McKenzie, J. Greene, A.T. Reyes, et al.,The Nabataean Temple at Khirbet et-Tannur, Jordan,Volume 2. Cultic Offerings, Vessels, and Other Specialist Reports, Annual of the American Schools of Oriental Research 68.
