Outcrop

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

This dramatic outcrop is known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, after the title of T. E. Lawrence's book. The geology here is sandstone rock on top of granite base. A low band of dark granite spall is visible in this photo, just above the level of the the desert sand. The difference in angle, between the hills' low granite base and sculpted sandstone pillars, gives the outcrops of Wadi Rum a remarkable visual appearance.

A rocky outcrop at Wadi Rum

Huwie scaling a rocky outcrop

Allat Temple

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

This staircase, at the SW corner, originally led up to the roof.

Allat Temple

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Located an hour's drive east of Aqaba in Southern Jordan, Wadi Rum was the spectacular setting for Nabataean temples, villas, and baths, as well as for the movie Lawrence of Arabia (later pages). Seen here is a temple to Allat, the Arabian goddess who was a consort of Dushara and who was identified with Athena. The temple is dated to the early first century AD, reign of Aretas IV.

 

 Its plan is similar to other Nabataean temples, like the Winged Lions temple at Petra, or the temple at Khirbet Tannur.

The photo looks west, towards the shrine. Engaged columns surround the cella. They were originally painted in red, blue, and yellow.