Originalveröffentlichung in: Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 324, 2001, S. 79-95 The Betyls of Petra ROBERT WENNTNG Bonn University Pienersallee 34 D-48161 Muenster, Germany
[email protected] Helmut Merklein in memoriam The Nabataeans venerated their deities in betyls (aniconic stone slabs). This con tribution, based primarily on a survey carried out by the author in Petra, offers an overview of the main aspects of these betyls. After a discussion of the tenninology of the term "betyl," the deities connected with betyls in Nabataean inscriptions are listed, res~tlting in the conclusion that the betyl indicates the divine presence of what ever deity is being represented, and is not restricted to Dushara and AI-cU::.za. The relation of the betyl and the nephesh is sketched. A typology of betyls basal on their shapes shows possible varieties and peculiarities. The criteria for the classification are enlarged to inch/de the nie/ws and their surroundings. The placement of the niches, their functional setting, the installations associated with the niches, some pic tures with betyls, and the mötab as a sacred areafor Dushara contribute to establish ing the role of the betyl in cultic practices of the Nabataeans. ne of the phenomena at Petra is the pres the eastern parts of Petra, including Ad-Dara, Ar ence of many rock-cut votive niches with Ramie, AI-WuCayra, Shcub Qais, Bab as-Siq, Eagle O betyls all around the city; these betyls are Valley, Al-Madras, AI-Hremiye, AI-Qantara, Siq, often explained as representations of Dushara, the Wadi al-Mudh1im, Sidd al-MaCajin, and Jabal al main deity of the Nabataeans.