Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 2,000-year-old temple submerged off the Italian coast near Naples, likely built by immigrants from Nabataea, an ancient Arabian kingdom known for Petra’s iconic rock-carved structures. The Nabataean kingdom once controlled a trade network stretching from northern Arabia to the Mediterranean, dealing in incense, gold, ivory, and perfumes. The temple, believed to have been used by Nabataean traders, was later buried under concrete and pottery, possibly due to the traders leaving the area. The discovery was made by student Michele Stefanile in 2023.
The temple lies near Pozzuoli, around 10 miles east of Naples, which was known as Puteoli during Roman times and served as a trading port. Researchers mapping the seafloor discovered two submerged rooms with Roman-style walls, containing two white marble altars with inscriptions in Latin dedicated to Dushara, the deity of the Nabataean people. The presence of Latin inscriptions suggests a fusion of Nabataean gods and Roman architecture. The discovery sheds light on the cultural exchange and influence in the region during ancient times.
Volcanic activity over centuries has submerged about 1.2 miles of Roman-era buildings near Pozzuoli, including warehouses and other structures from the ancient port. Artifacts recovered since the 18th century hinted at the presence of a temple in the area, but its exact location was unknown until now. The collapse of the inland trade routes controlled by the Nabataeans after being annexed into the Roman Empire in A.D. 106 led to changes in the trade patterns, possibly resulting in the abandonment of the harbor and burial of the temple at Puteoli.
The temple discovered off the Italian coast provides valuable insights into the ancient trade networks and cultural exchanges that took place between the Nabataean people and the Romans. The presence of Latin inscriptions alongside Nabataean gods suggests a fusion of cultural practices and architectural styles. The submerged rooms with altars dedicated to Dushara shed light on the religious beliefs of the Nabataean traders who once frequented the area. The discovery highlights the significance of underwater archaeology in uncovering hidden historical treasures.
The findings of the study published in Antiquity on September 12 provide a glimpse into the underwater heritage of the Italian coast near Naples. The presence of a 2,000-year-old temple built by Nabataean traders offers a unique perspective on the interplay of cultures in ancient times. The temple’s burial under layers of concrete and pottery, possibly due to changes in trade patterns after the Nabataean annexation into the Roman Empire, adds to the mystery surrounding its abandonment. The temple’s location near Pozzuoli, a former Roman trading port, showcases the region’s rich history and significance in maritime trade.
Overall, the discovery of the submerged temple off the Italian coast near Naples highlights the intricate relationships between different cultures during ancient times. The fusion of Nabataean and Roman architectural styles and religious beliefs in the temple provides valuable insights into the cultural exchanges that took place in the region. The study’s findings shed light on the impact of historical events, such as the annexation of Nabataea into the Roman Empire, on trade patterns and the abandonment of certain harbors. The significance of the temple’s discovery lies in its contribution to our understanding of the rich underwater heritage of the Mediterranean region.
