🔘The Great lower temple in Niha🔘
Located in Niha a village in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.
Niha is famous for its Roman archaeological ruins and in particular, the two lower Roman temples that date back to the 1st century AD.
The inside of the Great Temple consists of two parts: the cella, where the people used to gather, and the elevated adytum, which was accessed by a stairway.
The adytum used to hold the statue of the god or goddess.
Under the elevated adytum is a crypt, which held the items used during the ceremonies and rituals of the temple.
🧜♀️The temple was dedicated to the mermaid goddess Atargatis and her consort, the god Hadaranes.
⚡Hadaranes is the god of thunder, lightning and rain, Atargatis is the goddess of fertility.
The temple was still in use when it was destroyed by an earthquake.
The remains are visible of two Roman temples, but only one of which has been restored.
📸 photo by Rami Rizk
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