A Recently-Discovered Nabataean Sanctuary, Possibly Devoted to the Sun-God

A recently excavated Nabataean sanctuary at Hegra (al-Hijr / Madā'in Sāliḥ) may represent the first discovered structure devoted to the sun-god, offering new insights into Nabataean religious practices. The study presents provisional findings from archaeological excavations, revealing architectural and artifactual evidence suggestive of solar worship. Researchers employed stratigraphic analysis and material culture examination to identify the sanctuary's possible function, distinguishing it from other known Nabataean temples. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the region's religious landscape and underscores Hegra's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nehme, L. (2012). A recently-discovered Nabataean sanctuary, possibly devoted to the sun-god. From Ugarit to Nabataea, 153–166. https://doi.org/10.31826/9781463235031-010