# Archaeologists Discover a 2,000-Year-Old Temple Submerged Beneath Water
In a finding reminiscent of an *Indiana Jones* adventure, archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old submerged temple off Italy’s coastline. The temple, constructed by Arabian migrants from the Nabataean civilization, was located near Pozzuoli, close to Campi Flegrei, approximately 10 miles east of Naples. This ancient structure, hidden underwater for centuries, represents a crucial discovery that illuminates the historical ties between the Nabataean society and the Roman Empire.
## The Nabataean Civilization and the Temple’s Historical Importance
The Nabataean civilization is renowned for its remarkable rock-cut structures, especially the “Treasury” in Petra, Jordan, which gained international recognition after being depicted in *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*. The Nabataeans formed a trading society that was instrumental in linking the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean region. Their reach extended well beyond their homeland, and Puteoli (today’s Pozzuoli) served as a vital port in Roman Italy, making it a fitting site for Nabataean merchants to build a temple.
The finding of the temple was anticipated, as scholars had suspected its presence based on artifacts collected in the area since the 18th century. However, its precise location remained hidden until recent underwater mapping initiatives uncovered its submerged remains.
## The Discovery: Mapping the Underwater Terrain
The temple’s discovery resulted from comprehensive mapping of the seabed near Pozzuoli. Researchers uncovered two sizable rooms, each featuring Roman-style walls approximately 32 feet by 16 feet. These submerged areas are believed to have once been part of the temple complex. In addition, two white marble altars were discovered leaning against one wall, further validating the site’s religious significance.
The altars displayed rectangular indentations, which likely held sacred stones utilized by the Nabataean community in their spiritual rites. This find highlights the cultural interchange between the Nabataeans and Romans, as Puteoli was a thriving port and the second largest city in Roman Italy during that era.
## Volcanic Activity and the Temple’s Submersion
The coastline surrounding Pozzuoli has experienced considerable transformations over the ages due to volcanic eruptions in the area. Much of the ancient Roman harbor, including the temple, was submerged as the shoreline altered. Nevertheless, around 1.2 miles of Roman-era warehouses and structures have been preserved underwater, providing a window into antiquity.
The submersion of the temple is thought to have transpired gradually as the land sank due to volcanic disturbances. Scholars speculate that the temple may have been deserted by the Nabataeans following the conquest of Arabia by Roman Emperor Trajan in 106 A.D., although the exact cause of its abandonment remains uncertain.
## Intentional Burial and Conservation
Remarkably, the temple seems to have been intentionally buried in a combination of concrete and shattered pottery during the second century A.D. This conscientious interment may have aimed to protect the site or to reuse the materials for other construction endeavors. The underwater preservation of the temple’s remnants has enabled archaeologists to examine its design and artifacts with exceptional clarity.
## A Window into the Past
The revelation of this submerged temple offers crucial insights into the cultural and religious customs of the Nabataean people and their engagement with the Roman Empire. It also emphasizes the significance of underwater archaeology in revealing hidden elements of history that have been obscured by time and natural forces.
As scholars persist in their examination of the site, they hope to uncover additional information about the temple’s significance in Nabataean society and its meaning within the greater framework of Roman Italy. This discovery serves as a reminder of the rich and interconnected history of the ancient world, where trade, faith, and culture transcended borders and left enduring legacies that continue to fascinate us today.
## Conclusion
The revelation of the 2,000-year-old submerged temple off the Italian coast is a remarkable archaeological milestone. It not only enhances our understanding of Nabataean culture but also emphasizes the dynamic interactions among ancient societies. As technology in underwater exploration continues to advance, we can anticipate further discoveries like this, disclosing hidden treasures from the annals of history.
### Image Credit: byarnoldus / Adobe
