Untouched 2,000-Year-Old Temple of an Ancient Civilization Found Off the Coast of Italy

Archaeologists have discovered the ruins of a 2,000-year-old temple off the coast of the city of Pozzuoli, Italy, which has remained untouched for centuries.

There is strong evidence to suggest that the temple was once built by the Nabataeans, nomadic Arab tribes who founded the famous city of Petra in Jordan. This ancient civilization is mentioned in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Archaeologists have labeled the rooms as A and B. Both were constructed from local materials. Hall A contained two white marble altars. One of them has eight slots that once held sacred stones used in Nabataean rituals to represent different gods. The second altar had only three slots. Room B also contained white marble slabs.

The building ruins are located about 46 meters off the coast of Pozzuoli, which once served as a significant port for Roman ships transporting goods. Volcanic activity in the area covered the ancient walls with layers of lava.

The Nabataean people were based in the desert regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Around 2,000 years ago, they established a settlement in Pozzuoli, building the largest trade port in the Roman Mediterranean. During its peak, the Nabataean kingdom spanned the entire Middle East. This changed dramatically when the Romans peacefully took control of Petra, the kingdom's capital, along with the Nabataean people.

This discovery sheds light on the Nabataeans' integration with the Roman world, showcasing their influence as traders across the Mediterranean. The temple's discovery highlights how deeply they impacted religious and cultural practices in Roman Italy. The volcanic activity in the Pozzuoli area, part of the Campi Flegrei volcanic field, effectively sealed these ruins over time, preserving their layout and sacred artifacts in remarkable condition.

Above all, this finding expands our understanding of Nabataean culture beyond Petra, illustrating their presence in Italy as a significant contributor to Rome's economic networks and a catalyst for cultural exchange. The temple's layout and unique artifacts reflect a blend of Nabataean traditions with local Roman influences, demonstrating a harmonious interaction between these civilizations.