In the Jordanian Wadi Rum, just west of the modern village of Wadi Ramm and at the base of the impressive cliffs of Jabal Rum, lie the remains of a Nabataean temple. This temple was constructed during the reign of Nabataean King Aretas IV, between 9 BC and AD 40, on the site of an earlier Thamudic temple. It was dedicated to the goddess Allat (al-Lāt), a pre-Islamic Arabian goddess associated with the Greek goddess Athena. Discovered in 1931, the temple features a layout similar to other Nabataean temples, such as the Winged Lions Temple at Petra.

Excavations revealed a rectangular podium surrounded on three sides by columns originally painted red, blue, and yellow, along with several side rooms. Behind the temple, the remains of a large complex comprising 20 rooms were discovered, likely built during the temple’s latest phase of use. Latin inscriptions dating from the 3rd century AD indicate that the temple continued to be utilised by the Romans long after their annexation. In addition to serving as a cultic centre, the temple is also believed to have functioned as a civic and administrative hub. At Lawrence’s Spring, three kilometres away, are Nabataean inscriptions inscribed on the rock face.

Coordinates: 29°34’40.3″N 35°24’52.5″E