| Description |
Beginning in 1988 with the start of excavations, the archaeological site of Bethsaida has revealed finds that suggest the magnitude of its importance as an ancient Syro-Palestine city. At the Iron Age II level, approximately 1000-500 B.C.E, a massive structure was found and identified as a palace built most likely in the Syrian btt hi/ani style. However, Near Eastern monumental architecture in the true hilani style nearly always includes a palace and adjoining temple, often connected by an intermediate plaza. Although a typical palace and plaza have been uncovered at Bethsaida, the probable location of an adjoining btt hilani temple is unexcavated and will likely remain so due to a significant Roman structure located above. I propose that there is a temple located next to the massive Iron Age building, which would support the existence of a hilani-style temple-palace complex. First, I show the centrality and connection of the temple and palace to society, politics, and religion in the ancient Near east and, therefore, how a prominent site such as Bethsaida would be a likely location for such monumental architecture. Second, I analyze and compare various bii hilani complexes found at sites throughout Syria and Palestine. Finally, I investigate the finds at Bethsaida and their similarities to other bit hi/ani complexes, along with internal evidence, to support the existence of a complete bit hi/ani temple and palace at Bethsaida. |
