In a fascinating glimpse into ancient history, archaeologists recently uncovered a 2,000-year-old temple submerged off the coast of Italy near Naples.
The structure, believed to have been built by Nabataean traders from an ancient Arabian kingdom, offers a rare look into the cultural fusion that flourished along Mediterranean trade routes long before Europe became the epicenter of Western civilization. And as it turns out, this lost temple speaks volumes about what was once an impressive Nabataean trade empire—a world of spice, incense, and wealth.
Nabataea, for those who need a refresher, is best known for Petra’s breathtaking rock-carved facades, including the famous Treasury that even Indiana Jones couldn’t resist. This ancient kingdom controlled a trade network extending from Arabia to the Mediterranean, dealing in valuable goods like gold, ivory, and perfumes. They amassed considerable wealth at their peak, as evidenced by the lavish architecture of Petra, which remains a global icon.
The newly discovered temple, found in what used to be the bustling Roman port of Puteoli (now modern Pozzuoli), was likely a hub for Nabataean traders who brought their religion, culture, and—let’s face it—good business sense to Italian shores. Archaeologists found two marble altars engraved with “Dusari sacrum,” meaning “consecrated to Dushara,” the Nabataean god. This wasn’t just any makeshift shrine; it was a Nabataean temple built with Roman architectural flair, complete with Latin inscriptions—a vivid testament to a unique blend of Eastern spirituality and Western engineering.
2,000-year-old temple from ‘Indiana Jones civilization’ found submerged off Italyhttps://t.co/IGyvv6MG5j#AncientAltars#Nabataea pic.twitter.com/1eCxjDwJWa
— Tom Bartelment (@TBartelment) October 26, 2024
So, what led to this temple being abandoned and ultimately submerged under the sea? History has a funny way of shifting the playing field. After Emperor Trajan’s conquest of Nabataea in A.D. 106, the Roman Empire annexed the region and rerouted key trade networks, effectively shutting down the Nabataeans’ lucrative operations in Puteoli. With the trade routes cut off, the Nabataeans likely packed up and moved on, leaving their temple to sink—literally and figuratively—beneath centuries of volcanic activity along Italy’s coast.
For centuries, the idea of a Nabataean presence in Italy was the stuff of archaeological folklore. The discovery of this temple, partially submerged and layered with Roman concrete and pottery, confirms that these Arabian merchants weren’t just passing through; they had a foothold in the Roman world. And isn’t it fitting that an immigrant merchant group—2,000 years ago—was able to establish itself and thrive in the heart of the Roman Empire, thanks to a blend of cultural adaptability and sharp business acumen?
Underwater temple discovered off ancient port of Puteoli in modern-day Italy.
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— AF Post (@AFpost) October 26, 2024
In an era where ancient history often seems overshadowed by today’s headlines, finds like this temple remind us of the richness of human history and the global connections that existed long before the internet, multinational corporations, or even the United States. The Nabataeans knew what it meant to cross boundaries, forge connections, and build something that would outlast them—even if it took 2,000 years for us to rediscover it.
