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Petra - The Great Temple

Great Temple, aerial to the south, 2000

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Joukowsky (2007, Vol. II)


Introduction
Introduction

The Great Temple is one of the largest surviving structures of Petra and dominates the central urban landscape south of the Colonnaded Street. Conceived as a monumental architectural complex rather than a single freestanding building, it incorporated large courts, terraces, stairways, and columned spaces that reflect both Nabataean traditions and strong Hellenistic and Roman influences in design and scale.

Excavations have shown that the Great Temple functioned as a major civic and ceremonial focus within the city, closely integrated with surrounding streets, markets, and public spaces. Its size, prominent location, and architectural investment underscore its importance within Petra’s urban hierarchy and provide key insight into the city’s political, social, and architectural ambitions during its peak phases of development.

Petra - Introduction Webpage

Aerial Views, Plans, Drawings, Photos, and 3D Imagery
Aerial Views, Plans, Drawings, Photos, and 3D Imagery

Aerial Views

  • The Great Temple in Google Earth
    The Great Temple in Google Earth

    click on image to explore this site on a new tab in Google Earth
  • Fig. 1 - Aerial View of the
    Fig. 1

    Aerial view of the Petra Great Temple precinct at the close of the 2006 excavations, to south

    (Photograph by Artemis W. Joukowsky)



    Joukowsky (2015)
    Great Temple at Petra from Joukowsky (2015)
  • The Great Temple of Petra
    The Great Temple of Petra

    Clcik on image to open in a new tab

    Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Bernard Gagnon
    from Wikipedia

Plans

Site Plans

Normal Size

  • Fig. 2 - Site Plan of the
    Fig. 2

    Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

    Joukowsky (2009)
    Great Temple at Petra from Joukowsky (2009)
  • Site Plan of the Great Temple
    Plan of the Great Temple

    click on image to see a high res magnifiable version of this plan

    Marshall C. Agnew. - Martha Sharp Joukowsky. 2006 ADAJ Report. Exciting Developments: The Brown University 2006 Petra Great Temple Excavations - Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 4.0
    at Petra from Wikipedia

Magnified

  • Fig. 2 - Site Plan of the
    Fig. 2

    Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

    Joukowsky (2009)
    Great Temple at Petra from Joukowsky (2009)
  • Site Plan of the Great Temple
    Plan of the Great Temple

    click on image to see a high res magnifiable version of this plan

    Marshall C. Agnew. - Martha Sharp Joukowsky. 2006 ADAJ Report. Exciting Developments: The Brown University 2006 Petra Great Temple Excavations - Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 4.0
    at Petra from Wikipedia

Phase specific Plans

Normal Size

  • Fig. 2 - Phase II plan
    Fig. 2

    Great Temple plan, phase II

    (Marshall C. Agnew)

    Joukowsky (2009)
    from Joukowsky (2015)
  • Fig. 4 - Phase IV plan
    Fig. 4

    Great Temple plan, phase IV

    (Marshall C. Agnew)

    Joukowsky (2009)
    from Joukowsky (2015)
  • Fig. 12 - Phase V plan
    Fig. 12

    Plan of the theater-in the temple, site phase V



    Joukowsky (2015)
    from Joukowsky (2015)
  • Fig. 10 - Phase VI plan
    Fig. 10

    Roman-Byzantine baths, plan

    (Marshall C. Agnew and Eleanor Power)

    Joukowsky (2009)
    from Joukowsky (2015)

Magnified

  • Fig. 2 - Phase II plan
    Fig. 2

    Great Temple plan, phase II

    (Marshall C. Agnew)

    Joukowsky (2009)
    from Joukowsky (2015)
  • Fig. 4 - Phase IV plan
    Fig. 4

    Great Temple plan, phase IV

    (Marshall C. Agnew)

    Joukowsky (2009)
    from Joukowsky (2015)
  • Fig. 12 - Phase V plan
    Fig. 12

    Plan of the theater-in the temple, site phase V



    Joukowsky (2015)
    from Joukowsky (2015)
  • Fig. 10 - Phase VI plan
    Fig. 10

    Roman-Byzantine baths, plan

    (Marshall C. Agnew and Eleanor Power)

    Joukowsky (2009)
    from Joukowsky (2015)

Photos and Drawings

Normal Size

  • Fig. 5.17b - Photo of inner
    Fig. 5.17b

    Photo of Inner wall of the west corridor showing two phases of construction

    Rababeh (2005)
    wall of the west corridor showing two phases of construction from Rababeh (2005)
  • Fig. 5.17c - Drawing of inner
    Fig. 5.17c

    Detailed drawing of Inner wall of the west corridor showing two phases of construction

    Rababeh (2005)
    wall of the west corridor showing two phases of construction from Rababeh (2005)
  • Fig. 3.53 Dented pavement due
    Fig. 3.53

    Lower Temenos "domino" collapse of the East Colonade column drums onto the Hexagonal Pavement (note the horizontal depressions), to the north 1999

    click on image to open in a new tab

    Joukowsky (2007 vol. II)
    to column collapse during Phase IX earthquake from Joukowsky (2007 vol. II)

Magnified

  • Fig. 5.17b - Photo of inner
    Fig. 5.17b

    Photo of Inner wall of the west corridor showing two phases of construction

    Rababeh (2005)
    wall of the west corridor showing two phases of construction from Rababeh (2005)
  • Fig. 5.17c - Drawing of inner
    Fig. 5.17c

    Detailed drawing of Inner wall of the west corridor showing two phases of construction

    Rababeh (2005)
    wall of the west corridor showing two phases of construction from Rababeh (2005)
  • Fig. 3.53 Dented pavement due
    Fig. 3.53

    Lower Temenos "domino" collapse of the East Colonade column drums onto the Hexagonal Pavement (note the horizontal depressions), to the north 1999

    click on image to open in a new tab

    Joukowsky (2007 vol. II)
    to column collapse during Phase IX earthquake from Joukowsky (2007 vol. II)

Links to 3D Images

3D image of The Great Temple from Zamani Project - click link to open in a new tab

3D panorama tour of The Great Temple from Zamani Project - click link to open in a new tab

Archaeoseismic Chronology
Phasing

The Great Temple of Petra Phasing Figure 3

Petra Great Temple Chronological Chart of Site Phases.

Joukowsky (2009)

Phase IV Earthquake - 2nd century CE

Discussion

Discussion

Phase IX Earthquake - 4th century CE

Discussion

Discussion

References
Joukowsky (2007, vol. II)

The Roman Period, Site Phases VII through IX

... Site Phase IX21 is dated to the major 363 CE earthquake—a cataclysmic event bringing about the cave-in of the Propylaeum and the Lower Temenos cryptoportici, with their arches tumbling onto the floors. Another feature that should be mentioned is the partial disintegration of the Propylaeum Retaining Wall. In the Lower Temenos, the collapse of the West Colonnade is clearly indicated by repeated rows of deep indentations in the Hexagonal Pavement (Figure 3.53) and the shattering of the hexagonal flagstones. The Lower Temenos is enveloped by the accumulation of architectural fragments mixed with fill, and sedimentation extends over the West Precinct Wall. Some damage is also seen in the south of the East Temple Colonnade. In the Upper Temenos, there is the major collapse of large features—the West Precinct Wall and the Cistern-Reservoir—and fluvial and wash-down deposits accumulate, the lower levels of which were found to contain scanty remains of two human bodies that were caught by a sudden disaster. In the Shrine Room, abandonment occurs, followed by collapse from structural weakness, followed by the accumulation of debris. The West Walkway wall is destroyed, as is the Residential Quarter and the Cistern-Reservoir, after which more sediment accumulates. The Roman-Byzantine Baths continue to be used, although in a very restricted manner thanks to partial collapse. The temple west Porch columns plummet onto the temple Forecourt, pulverizing the hexagonal pavement there, and other temple elements crash and fall into the west Upper Temenos and the Lower Temenos. In the temple, at some point in this phase predating the cataclysm, the floors are raised and debris covers the lower risers of the interior staircases, allowing for the removal of the upper treads. Subsequent silting of the areas occurs, and the west intercolumnar wall buckles under the pressure of falling debris.
Footnotes

21. This is the Early Byzantine Period in the Near East, 360-491 CE.

The Byzantine Period, Great Temple Site Phases X-XI

The Roman-Byzantine Baths

During Site Phase IX the Roman-Byzantine Baths reflect frequent modifications that include the filling in of vaults, the addition of flooring, and the renovation of some of the rooms and walls. Reflected in the archaeological record is change, and these changes occurred as a result of additional modifications or needs of the weakened architecture itself, or because of earth tremors and the devastating earthquake of 19 May 363 CE. This earthquake and its tremors so disrupted life in Petra that the bath site never fully recovered, and some of the rooms were never fully rebuilt.

In Site Phase X there is little activity in the Propylaeum, and all signs indicate an abandonment of the precinct represented by the collection of fluvial deposit dated to ca. 4th-5th centuries CE. As a period of Byzantine reuse in the Lower Temenos deposits indicates secondary destruction levels and the rebuilding of intercolumnar walls using temple pilaster reliefs as building components. There are industrial activities taking place as well, including hose manufacture in the south East Triple Colonnade and exedrae. Using fallen architectural elements, including column drums, a platform is constructed in front of the West Exedra with steps leading down into the apse. There are continued industrial reuses of several areas, in some cases leaving significant quantities of burned ash residue, particularly in the West Exedra. During this period in the Upper Temenos the East Plaza floors are stripped, haphazard masonry walls are constructed, drainpipes are installed clumsily, and scattered shabby walls are built. Multiple drainage systems are set into place, and the westernmost precinct wall is rebuilt along with its aboveground canalization system. As mentioned previously, the sequence of the Great Temple Roman-Byzantine Baths is of five consecutive stages. Building begins in Site Phase VI and the baths are in use until the 29 July 363 CE earthquake of Site Phase IX. After the Site Phase IX earthquake there is a striking change in the character of the baths. Some rooms are no longer used, doorways are narrowed or closed off completely, and there is a dramatic contrast between the late Nabataean working bath and the features that are then reused. Later in Site Phase X a kiln may have been constructed over the remains of the southern caldarium.

In the temple there is the robbing of canonical elements including the upper treads of the interior staircases and the east and west landings. There is, however, some attempt to rebuild the East and West Walkways. Scattered domestic secondary uses are found in the temple Theater stage, Vaulted Chambers, the Great Cistern, Central Arch, and East Corridor.

In Site Phase XI there is further collapse that possibly postdates the fifth century CE and possibly may be the result of the earthquake of 9 July 551 CE. In the Propylaeum major collapses continue, and in the Lower Temenos there is continued accumulation of fill and the West Entry Stairs go out of use. The East Triple Colonnade collapses along with the East Exedra’s entablature. The Upper Temenos also is subject to further collapse, with the accumulation of fill after disuse of the canalization system and areas of localized burning. Modifications take place in the Roman-Byzantine Baths and a final collapse occurs after which the bath site is finally abandoned. To fix a precise date for the termination of the baths’ last use is tricky, although it is unlikely that the complex functioned beyond the mid sixth century and the site’s final abandonment. In conclusion, the Great Temple Roman-Byzantine Baths were in use for some 400 or more years, from ca. 70 to 551 CE; however, the period of active use is gauged from 70 to 363 CE, a period of less than 300 years. By the early sixth century CE, when Petra experienced a general slump, the bath complex was abandoned. The temple East Porch columns collapse, and fluvial deposits continue to accumulate. The earthquakes, along with the earthquake of 551 CE, certainly contributed to an economic decline of the community, and finally put an end to the Roman-Byzantine Baths and the Great Temple precinct as well. This is the terminal phase of site occupation.

Phase XI Earthquake - 6th century CE

Discussion

Discussion

References
Joukowsky (2007, vol. II)

The Roman Period, Site Phases VII through IX

... Site Phase IX21 is dated to the major 363 CE earthquake—a cataclysmic event bringing about the cave-in of the Propylaeum and the Lower Temenos cryptoportici, with their arches tumbling onto the floors. Another feature that should be mentioned is the partial disintegration of the Propylaeum Retaining Wall. In the Lower Temenos, the collapse of the West Colonnade is clearly indicated by repeated rows of deep indentations in the Hexagonal Pavement (Figure 3.53) and the shattering of the hexagonal flagstones. The Lower Temenos is enveloped by the accumulation of architectural fragments mixed with fill, and sedimentation extends over the West Precinct Wall. Some damage is also seen in the south of the East Temple Colonnade. In the Upper Temenos, there is the major collapse of large features—the West Precinct Wall and the Cistern-Reservoir—and fluvial and wash-down deposits accumulate, the lower levels of which were found to contain scanty remains of two human bodies that were caught by a sudden disaster. In the Shrine Room, abandonment occurs, followed by collapse from structural weakness, followed by the accumulation of debris. The West Walkway wall is destroyed, as is the Residential Quarter and the Cistern-Reservoir, after which more sediment accumulates. The Roman-Byzantine Baths continue to be used, although in a very restricted manner thanks to partial collapse. The temple west Porch columns plummet onto the temple Forecourt, pulverizing the hexagonal pavement there, and other temple elements crash and fall into the west Upper Temenos and the Lower Temenos. In the temple, at some point in this phase predating the cataclysm, the floors are raised and debris covers the lower risers of the interior staircases, allowing for the removal of the upper treads. Subsequent silting of the areas occurs, and the west intercolumnar wall buckles under the pressure of falling debris.
Footnotes

21. This is the Early Byzantine Period in the Near East, 360-491 CE.

The Byzantine Period, Great Temple Site Phases X-XI

The Roman-Byzantine Baths

During Site Phase IX the Roman-Byzantine Baths reflect frequent modifications that include the filling in of vaults, the addition of flooring, and the renovation of some of the rooms and walls. Reflected in the archaeological record is change, and these changes occurred as a result of additional modifications or needs of the weakened architecture itself, or because of earth tremors and the devastating earthquake of 19 May 363 CE. This earthquake and its tremors so disrupted life in Petra that the bath site never fully recovered, and some of the rooms were never fully rebuilt.

In Site Phase X there is little activity in the Propylaeum, and all signs indicate an abandonment of the precinct represented by the collection of fluvial deposit dated to ca. 4th-5th centuries CE. As a period of Byzantine reuse in the Lower Temenos deposits indicates secondary destruction levels and the rebuilding of intercolumnar walls using temple pilaster reliefs as building components. There are industrial activities taking place as well, including hose manufacture in the south East Triple Colonnade and exedrae. Using fallen architectural elements, including column drums, a platform is constructed in front of the West Exedra with steps leading down into the apse. There are continued industrial reuses of several areas, in some cases leaving significant quantities of burned ash residue, particularly in the West Exedra. During this period in the Upper Temenos the East Plaza floors are stripped, haphazard masonry walls are constructed, drainpipes are installed clumsily, and scattered shabby walls are built. Multiple drainage systems are set into place, and the westernmost precinct wall is rebuilt along with its aboveground canalization system. As mentioned previously, the sequence of the Great Temple Roman-Byzantine Baths is of five consecutive stages. Building begins in Site Phase VI and the baths are in use until the 29 July 363 CE earthquake of Site Phase IX. After the Site Phase IX earthquake there is a striking change in the character of the baths. Some rooms are no longer used, doorways are narrowed or closed off completely, and there is a dramatic contrast between the late Nabataean working bath and the features that are then reused. Later in Site Phase X a kiln may have been constructed over the remains of the southern caldarium.

In the temple there is the robbing of canonical elements including the upper treads of the interior staircases and the east and west landings. There is, however, some attempt to rebuild the East and West Walkways. Scattered domestic secondary uses are found in the temple Theater stage, Vaulted Chambers, the Great Cistern, Central Arch, and East Corridor.

In Site Phase XI there is further collapse that possibly postdates the fifth century CE and possibly may be the result of the earthquake of 9 July 551 CE. In the Propylaeum major collapses continue, and in the Lower Temenos there is continued accumulation of fill and the West Entry Stairs go out of use. The East Triple Colonnade collapses along with the East Exedra’s entablature. The Upper Temenos also is subject to further collapse, with the accumulation of fill after disuse of the canalization system and areas of localized burning. Modifications take place in the Roman-Byzantine Baths and a final collapse occurs after which the bath site is finally abandoned. To fix a precise date for the termination of the baths’ last use is tricky, although it is unlikely that the complex functioned beyond the mid sixth century and the site’s final abandonment. In conclusion, the Great Temple Roman-Byzantine Baths were in use for some 400 or more years, from ca. 70 to 551 CE; however, the period of active use is gauged from 70 to 363 CE, a period of less than 300 years. By the early sixth century CE, when Petra experienced a general slump, the bath complex was abandoned. The temple East Porch columns collapse, and fluvial deposits continue to accumulate. The earthquakes, along with the earthquake of 551 CE, certainly contributed to an economic decline of the community, and finally put an end to the Roman-Byzantine Baths and the Great Temple precinct as well. This is the terminal phase of site occupation.

Phase XIII Collapses - Later Earthquakes ?

Discussion

Discussion

Archaeoseismic Effects
Phase IV Earthquake - 2nd century CE

Effect                         Location Image(s) Description
  • Displaced Walls
 Propylaea stairs between A & B
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig. 4

Great Temple plan, phase IV

(Marshall C. Agnew)

Joukowsky (2009)
  • Displaced Walls
 Propylaeum West A
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig. 4

Great Temple plan, phase IV

(Marshall C. Agnew)

Joukowsky (2009)
  • Displaced Walls ?
 Lower Temenos Q
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig. 4

Great Temple plan, phase IV

(Marshall C. Agnew)

Joukowsky (2009)
  • Collapsed Walls
 Baroque Room I
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig. 4

Great Temple plan, phase IV

(Marshall C. Agnew)

Joukowsky (2009)

Phase IX Earthquake - 4th century CE

Effect                         Location Image(s) Description
  • Displaced Walls
 Propylaeum A & B
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
  • Collapse of the Propylaeum - Joukowsky (2009)

  • "Site Phase IX21 is dated to the major 363 CE earthquake—a cataclysmic event bringing about the cave-in of the Propylaeum and the Lower Temenos cryptoportici, with their arches tumbling onto the floors. Another feature that should be mentioned is the partial disintegration of the Propylaeum Retaining Wall." - Joukowsky (2007:33)
  • Fallen Columns
  • Collapsed Arches
  • Dented Pavement
 Lower Temenos West Triple Collonade between C & D
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig 3.53
Fig. 3.53

Lower Temenos "domino" collapse of the East Colonade column drums onto the Hexagonal Pavement (note the horizontal depressions), to the north 1999

click on image to open in a new tab

Joukowsky (2007 vol. II)
  • "Collapse of the Lower Temenos West Triple Collonade" - Joukowsky (2009)

  • "In the Lower Temenos, the collapse of the West Colonnade is clearly indicated by repeated rows of deep indentations in the Hexagonal Pavement (Figure 3.53) and the shattering of the hexagonal flagstones. The Lower Temenos is enveloped by the accumulation of architectural fragments mixed with fill, and sedimentation extends over the West Precinct Wall." - Joukowsky (2007:33)

  • "Site Phase IX21 is dated to the major 363 CE earthquake—a cataclysmic event bringing about the cave-in of the Propylaeum and the Lower Temenos cryptoportici, with their arches tumbling onto the floors. Another feature that should be mentioned is the partial disintegration of the Propylaeum Retaining Wall." - Joukowsky (2007:33)
  • Collapsed Vaults
 West Cryptoporticus D
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
  • Collapsed Vaults
  • Collapsed Walls
  • Fatalities (due to Collapsed Walls)
  • Abandonment
 Upper Temenos N
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
  • "In the Upper Temenos, there is the major collapse of large features—the West Precinct Wall and the Cistern-Reservoir—and fluvial and wash-down deposits accumulate, the lower levels of which were found to contain scanty remains of two human bodies that were caught by a sudden disaster. In the Shrine Room, abandonment occurs, followed by collapse from structural weakness, followed by the accumulation of debris. The West Walkway wall is destroyed, as is the Residential Quarter and the Cistern-Reservoir, after which more sediment accumulates." - Joukowsky (2007:33)
  • Partially Collapsed Walls
 Roman-Byzantine Baths F
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
  • "The Roman-Byzantine Baths continue to be used, although in a very restricted manner thanks to partial collapse" - Joukowsky (2007:33)

  • "As mentioned previously, the sequence of the Great Temple Roman-Byzantine Baths is of five consecutive stages. Building begins in Site Phase VI and the baths are in use until the 29 July 363 CE earthquake of Site Phase IX. After the Site Phase IX earthquake there is a striking change in the character of the baths. Some rooms are no longer used, doorways are narrowed or closed off completely, and there is a dramatic contrast between the late Nabataean working bath and the features that are then reused." - Joukowsky (2007:34-35)
  • Fallen Columns
  • Dented Pavement
  • Collapse of Architectural Elements
 Temple J
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
  • "The temple west Porch columns plummet onto the temple Forecourt, pulverizing the hexagonal pavement there, and other temple elements crash and fall into the west Upper Temenos and the Lower Temenos." - Joukowsky (2007:33)

Phase XI Earthquake - 6th century CE

Effect                         Location Image(s) Description
  • Collapsed Walls ?
 site wide ?
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
  • Fallen Columns
 East Triple Collonade P
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
  • Folded Step and kerbs
 West Entry Stairs C
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
  • Fallen Columns
 Temple East Porch Column
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)

Phase XIII Collapses - Later Earthquakes ?

Effect                         Location Image(s) Description
  • Collapsed Walls ?
 not specified

Archaeoseismic Observations
Archaeoseismic Observations

Korzhenkov et al (2016)

Effect Location Image Description
Through-going fracture
Figure 4c

through-going cracks in the Great Temple of Petra, piercing several stone blocks. For them to occur, a huge amount of energy must be released.

Korzhenkov et al (2016)
Through-going fractures require a large amount of energy to overcome the stress shadows between blocks - paraphrased from a translation of Korzhenkov et al (2016)
Column Damage
Figure 5a

Roman columns of the Great Temple damaged during the earthquake, reinforced by an additional wall

Korzhenkov et al (2016)
Columns damaged in an earthquake and reinforced with an intervening wall - paraphrased from a translation of Korzhenkov et al (2016)
Re-used building elements
Figure 5b

Stone “drums” from columns destroyed during an early earthquake in a later temple

Korzhenkov et al (2016)
Column drum in the wall was damaged in an earthquake and then re-used as a building element during reconstruction - paraphrased from a translation of Korzhenkov et al (2016)
Fallen Column
Figure 7

Destroyed column of the Great Temple. Considering that they were not dismantled, it is obvious that the destruction occurred after the earthquake of 632 and the occupation of the territory by the Arabs

Korzhenkov et al (2016)
Because the column was not dismantled and re-used as a building element, it's collapse is thought to be due to one of the later earthquakes when Petra was largely abandoned (JW:Korzhenkov's date for this collapse is pure speculation) - paraphrased from a translation of Korzhenkov et al (2016)

Archaeoseismic Deformation Maps
Phase IV Earthquake - 2nd century CE

Deformation Map

modified by JW from Fig. 2 of Joukowsky (2009)

Phase IX Earthquake - 4th century CE

Deformation Map

modified by JW from Fig. 2 of Joukowsky (2009)

Phase XI Earthquake - 6th century CE

Deformation Map

modified by JW from Fig. 2 of Joukowsky (2009)

Archaeoseismic Intensity Estimates
Phase IV Earthquake - 2nd century CE

Effect Location Image(s) Description Intensity
Displaced Walls             propylaea stairs
between A & B
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig. 4

Great Temple plan, phase IV

(Marshall C. Agnew)

Joukowsky (2009)
minor collapse when the uppermost course of the propylaea stairs was built - Joukowsky and Basile (2001) VII+
Displaced Walls Propylaeum West
A
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig. 4

Great Temple plan, phase IV

(Marshall C. Agnew)

Joukowsky (2009)
Damage to Propylaeum West - Joukowsky (2009) VII+
Displaced Walls ? Lower Temenos
Q
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig. 4

Great Temple plan, phase IV

(Marshall C. Agnew)

Joukowsky (2009)
Repairs to Lower Temenos - Joukowsky (2009) VII+
Collapsed Walls Baroque Room
I
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Fig. 4

Great Temple plan, phase IV

(Marshall C. Agnew)

Joukowsky (2009)
Baroque Room Collapse - Joukowsky (2009) VIII+
The archeoseismic evidence requires a minimum Intensity of VIII (8) when using the Earthquake Archeological Effects chart of Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013:221-224).

Phase IX Earthquake - 4th century CE

Effect Location Image(s) Description Intensity
Displaced Walls Propylaeum
A & B
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Collapse of the Propylaeum - Joukowsky (2009) VII+
Fallen Columns Lower Temenos West Triple Collonade
between C & D
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Collapse of the Lower Temenos West Triple Collonade - Joukowsky (2009) V+
Collapsed Vaults West Cryptoporticus
D
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
West Cryptoporticus Collapse - Joukowsky (2009) VIII+
The archeoseismic evidence requires a minimum Intensity of VIII (8) when using the Earthquake Archeological Effects chart of Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224).

Phase XI Earthquake - 6th century CE

Effect Location Image(s) Description Intensity
Fallen Columns East Triple Collonade
P
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
East Triple Collonade Collapse - Joukowsky (2009) V+
Folded Step and kerbs (folded mortar pavements) West Entry Stairs
C
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
West Entry Stairs Collapse - Joukowsky (2009) VI+
Fallen Columns Temple East Porch Column
Fig. 2

Petra Great Temple site plan (Marshall C. Agnew).

Joukowsky (2009)
Temple East Porch Column Collapse - Joukowsky (2009) V+
The archeoseismic evidence requires a minimum Intensity of VI (6) when using the Earthquake Archeological Effects chart of Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224) and is likely an underestimate.

Notes and Further Reading
References

Articles and Books

Joukowsky, M. S. and J. J. Basile (2001). "More Pieces in the Petra Great Temple Puzzle." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research(324): 43-58.

Joukowsky, M.S. (2002) The Petra Great Temple: A Nabataean Architectural Miracle Near Eastern Archaeology 2002 65:4, 235-248

Joukowsky, M. S. 2009. Surprises at the Petra Great Temple: a retrospective. Studies in the History and Archaeology of Jordan X: 291–310.

Joukowsky, M. S. (2015) AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL: THE PETRA GREAT TEMPLE. Eretz-Israel: Archaeological, Historical and Geographical Studies

Korzhenkov, A. et.al., 2016, Следы землетрясений в затерянном городе (Earthquake trails in a lost city), Nature 43

Excavation Reports

Joukowsky, M. S., et al. (1998). Petra Great Temple, Volume 1

Joukowsky, M. S. (2007). Petra Great Temple, Volume 2 Oxbow Books.

Joukowsky, M. S., et al. (1998). Petra Great Temple, Volume 3

Websites

Petra Great Temple Site Bibliography

The Petra Great Temple Database Project

The Petra Great Temple Excavation Web Page - Brown University

Petra Great Temple Excavations on Open Context

Petra Great Temple Excavation Trenches on Open Context

Petra Great Temple at Manar Al-Athar (Oxford University)

3D Model of The Great Temple at Sketchfab

Bibliography from Brown University



Wikipedia pages

Great Temple (Petra)