by Stephan G. Schmid, Zbigniew T. Fiema and Bernhard Kolb
III. The 2014 survey season – structures 10 and 3
Both these structures were briefly investigated in 2012. During this season, the existent plan of both was improved and complemented (fig. 15). The interpretation of Structure 3 remains as previously proposed, i.e., a highly decorative western façade-in-depth of the NEPP architectural complex (fig. 16).
Fig. 15: The plan of Structures 3 and 10 (plan: M. Holappa and J. Falkenberg)Fig. 16: The western wall of Structure 3. View from S (photo: M. Dehner)
There are two main levels – lower and upper. The lower level is occupied by a very long and relatively narrow paved space with a colonnade on the southern edge and a semicircular (fig. 17). The upper level is less known due to later modifications of the space.
Fig. 17: The semicircular niche in Structure 3 (photo: M. Dehner)
Structure 10, on the other hand, may probably be interpreted as a propyleion – a monumental access stairway to the interior of the NEPP complex (figs. 18, 19, 20). The investigation of these structures strongly indicates that both were seriously damaged by one of the earthquakes which had affected Petra in antiquity, and the disastrous AD 363 earthquake may, perhaps, be the best candidate.
Fig. 18: Structure 10. The monumental stairway. View from S (photo: M. Dehner)Fig. 19: Structure 10. The eastern pier structure supporting the stairway. View from NE (photo: M. Dehner)Fig. 20: The collapsed doorjamb block in Structure 10 (photo: M. Dehner)
At any rate, it is significant that both buildings appear to have been restored after the disaster, although the quality of repairs is somewhat inferior and haphazard and the massive reuse of construction material is apparent (fig. 21). To such repairs and modifications belong the subdivisions of larger spaces, the installation of smaller doors, etc.
Fig. 21: One of probably secondary subdividing walls in Structure 3 (photo: M. Dehner)
