Archaeologists have made an astonishing discovery off the coast of modern-day Pozzuoli, Italy, uncovering the submerged ruins of a 2,000-year-old temple built by the ancient Nabataean civilisation. The temple, previously featured in the 1989 Hollywood blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, has remained hidden underwater for centuries, preserving ancient inscriptions and altars.
The discovery has brought to light marble slabs inscribed in Latin and ancient altars believed to have been undisturbed for millennia. According to researchers, the temple was part of the bustling port city of Puteoli (now Pozzuoli), a critical hub for global trade in ancient times.
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Nabataean Influence in Roman Puteoli
Researchers confirmed that the Nabataeans, an ancient nomadic civilisation from Jordan, had constructed the temple as a place of worship, trade, and refuge for foreign merchants. It is believed that the temple served as a cultural and commercial exchange centre under the protection of the god Dusares, a significant deity in Nabataean religion.
“The existence of a Nabataean sanctuary within the port area confirms that there was a community from that region participating in the commercial activities of Puteoli,” the researchers stated. They further described the temple as a central hub for business and trade activities, blending religious and commercial functions in the ancient Roman world.
Design and Structure of the Underwater Temple
Built on a rectangular plan, the temple consisted of two rooms, giving access to the vicus Lartidianus, an area used by foreign traders. The temple’s Roman-style walls and marble slabs were etched with the Latin inscription “Dusari sacrum,” meaning “consecrated to Dushara,” a prominent Nabataean god.
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Submerged 150 feet off the coast of Pozzuoli, the structure remained hidden for centuries due to layers of volcanic activity, until archaeologists recently rediscovered it while searching for ancient treasures in the Gulf of Pozzuoli.
The Temple’s Downfall and Rediscovery
The temple’s significance waned during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD), when the creation of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea led to the decline of Nabataean trade. With Rome’s increased control over trade routes, the temple’s use diminished, eventually leading to its abandonment.
Covered by layers of volcanic material, the ancient structure was preserved for centuries until its recent rediscovery. Archaeologists are now delving deeper into its history, bringing to light the temple’s role in the vibrant commercial and religious life of ancient Puteoli.
