Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a sunken ancient Nabataean temple complex off the coast of Pozzuoli on the Phlegrean Peninsula in Campania, Italy.
Part of the city of Pozzuoli was flooded due to volcanic activity in the area. Recent underwater surveys have uncovered two marble altars dating to the early 1st century AD and provide new evidence of an old port and imperial administration building. According to Heritage Daily, the discovery provides valuable information about the commercial, cultural and religious exchanges that took place in the Mediterranean basin in ancient times.
Focus.Technologies own telegraph channel. Subscribe to not miss the latest and most interesting news from the world of science!
Remains of an ancient temple complex were recently discovered off the coast of Pozzuoli, on the Phlegrean Peninsula in the Italian region of Campania. During Roman times, the Nabataean kingdom was an important ally of Rome, as it controlled a large region stretching from the Euphrates to the Red Sea and acted as a barrier between Rome and the savage desert tribes that threatened its borders. Petra’s capital was the center of the Nabataean kingdom.
Pozzuoli, then called Puteoli in ancient times, was a vital center for the export of goods from Campania. The Nabataeans established a base at Puteoli and built a sanctuary for their patron god, Dusares. But Puteoli was in the Phlegrean Fields, an active and unstable volcanic region. As a result, local volcanic activity caused the geological rocks on the peninsula to rise and collapse, causing parts of Puteoli to be flooded.
Recently, two marble altars dating to the early 1st century AD were unearthed as part of a sunken temple complex built by the Nabataeans. The finding was announced in a press release by Nello Musumeci, Minister of Civil Protection and Maritime Policy, and Gennaro Sangiuliano, Minister of Culture. According to Minister Sangiuliano, this discovery is further evidence of the extensive commercial, cultural and religious exchange that took place in the ancient Mediterranean basin.
Through underwater research, the team was able to pinpoint the exact location of the temple on the “vicus Lartidianus”, a part of the city where foreigners trade and trade. The study also provided new evidence revealing the axes of the ancient port roads and imperial administration buildings. This discovery sheds new light on the region’s long history and provides valuable insight into the cultural and commercial interactions of the period.
Previously Focus mentioned a Roman resort in the same area that was partially submerged due to volcanic activities.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.