#adyton
Temple of Bel (3D)
Palmyra (Tadmor), Syria
32 CE
Part I (exterior) || Part II(interior) || Part III (surrounding precinct)
The Temple of Bel (Baal) was a temple located in Palmyra and consecrated to the Mesopotamian god Bel, worshipped at Palmyra in a triad with the lunar god Aglibol and the sun god Yarhibol, who together formed the center of religious life in Palmyra.
A discussion of its architectural features demonstrates both the plurality of artistic and architectural styles in the ancient Mediterranean and the numerous cultures that frequently overlapped and inter-mixed there. Although an inscription attests to the temple’s dedication in 32 CE, its completion was gradual with major architectural elements added over the course of the first and second centuries.
The cella is designed according to the Near Eastern tradition of the bent-axis approach and incorporates two separate shrines (thalamoi). A ramp and central stair, with an off-center doorway, grants access to the cella. The columnar arrangement is pseduoperipteral (free-standing columns at the porch with engaged columns on the sides and back) and includes an arrangement of 8 x 15 (height = 15.81 meters) fluted, Corinthian columns. The cella also has exterior Ionic half-columns at each of its ends. Merlons (crenellations) crowded the roof and the ceilings were coffered. From masons’ marks and graffiti found on the site, it seems that there were craftspeople of various background, including Greeks and Romans alongside the Palmyrenes.
Both the North and the South chambers had monolithic ceilings. The Northern chamber’s ceiling highlighted seven planets surrounded by twelve zodiac carvings as well as a camel procession, a veiled women, and what is believed to be Makkabel, the god of fertility.
Palmyra’s remarkable 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel was demolished in an atrocious crime against mankind and history in August 2015 by the Islamic militant group ISIS. (post-destruction 3D)
North adyton (3D)
South Adyton (3D)
Art