Baraqish temple discovered [Archives:2005/903/Culture]
An Italian expedition spotted an ancient Yemeni temple in the town of Sirwah in Marib province. The expedition discovered Athtar Temple while carrying out its usual archeological excavation and restoration in Baraqish. Preliminary results reveal that the temple consists of two floors. The Italian team gleaned this fact by means of installed sensors.
Laity Temple
According to archeologists, the temple was designated for common people unlike Naqrah temple, which was designated for the elite.
This newfound temple, however, is full of inscriptions, frames and columns signifying the historical importance of Baraqish in the ancient world of Yemen. It also contains decorative elements and patterns not found in other archeological sites in Yemen. By means of currently erect staircases, archeologists conclude the temple was two-storied.
Islamic presence
Examination of the site indicates Islamic presence in the area. According to experts, such presence is no earlier than the 13th century A.C. at the time of Imam Abdullah bin Hamzah who resided in this area.
However, the Islamic remains are of no importance to the expedition, which aims to explore mainly pre-Islamic Yemeni civilizations and discover new facts to fill gaps in our understanding of life in those ancient epochs.
“The aim is to get to Sabae and Maenite artifacts and antiquities,” the Italian team leader said. Part of the goal is to provide Yemen a new tourism-fostering historic site.
Naqrah Temple
Naqrah Temple, as stated above, was the temple of the elite. Its earlier discovery resulted from joint efforts by Yemenis and Italians.
This temple is particularly important because it is still erect with all its steles and columns. It is named for one of the main gods of ancient Yemen to whom people prayed when afflicted by illness or harm. The temple enshrines stone moulds, as numerous as the year's seasons, covered with decorations and patterns.
Maenites visited the temple carrying sacrifices, which they put on the altar.
Reconstruction of Naqrah Temple to its former status was based on antiquities, inscriptions and findings the team collected in the town. In late 2003, the expedition started restoration efforts at Naqrah Temple, which lasted four months. By the end of this period, the sand was removed and the roof of the temple was refitted along with a number of its components.
Promising future
Baraqish contains more secrets. The recent discoveries point out the economic and political importance of Baraqish of the Maenite State whose capital was Qirnaw and they were famous for trading in incense, perfumes, and spices.
The expedition expects to find another temple near to the newly identified one. They are optimistic about the prospects of archeological excavations in this part of Yemen.
The expedition has set up a mini-museum where they collected the artifacts and relics which are now on display so that the tourists, who come usually in large numbers, can see them.
Over the previous five seasons of the Italian archeological mission, many artifacts were found including inscriptions and potteries most important of which was a plaster statue. All of them now lie in Baraqish Museum.
It is expected that the Italian mission will equip Baraqish Museum and Tamnu'a Museum next year.
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