Temples in the Ghassulian Culture: Terminology and social implications

A critical analysis of architectural remains from Ghassulian sites reveals significant variability in structures previously labeled as 'temples,' challenging long-held assumptions about their function and societal role. The study demonstrates that the terms 'temple,' 'sanctuary,' and 'shrine' have been inconsistently applied to Ghassulian sites, lacking explicit definitions. By comparing these remains and interpretations, the research evaluates how classifying structures as temples has shaped understandings of Ghassulian social organization. This work underscores the importance of precise terminology in archaeological studies, offering a foundation for reinterpreting the cultural significance of these ancient sites.

Gošić, M. (2016). Temples in the Ghassulian Culture: Terminology and social implications. Etnoantropološki Problemi / Issues in Ethnology and Anthropology, 11(3), 869–893. https://doi.org/10.21301/eap.v11i3.11