Author Description

"Khirbet et-Tannur is a Nabataean hilltop sanctuary, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD, 70 km north of the Nabataean capital Petra. It was excavated in 1937 by Nelson Glueck for the American Schools of Oriental Research in Jerusalem and the Department of Antiquities of Transjordan. The full results of Glueck's excavations are now finally published in two extensively illustrated volumes, based on excavation records and previously unstudied archaeological materials in the ASOR Nelson Glueck Archive at the Semitic Museum, Harvard University"-- "[Volume 1] is devoted to the architecture of the temple, the dating of its successive phases, and the fascinating iconographic programme of its sculpture which throws new light on Nabataean religion. The exceptional preservation of cultic offerings and vessels reveal continuity of Iron Age religious practices in a sanctuary of local design, but with architectural decoration and deities in classical form. The volume closes with an analysis of iconoclasm at Petra and other Nabataean sites"-- "[Volume 2] offers a systematic analysis and presentation of Glueck's original excavation records. It provides detailed specialist examinations of the faubal and botanical remains of cult offerings, altars, metals, glass, lamps, and pott. The exceptional preservation of cultic offerings throws new light on Nabataean religios practice, revealing continuity of Iron Age religious pratice in a sanctuary of local design, but with architectural decoration and deities in classical form"--