The Italian Ministry of Culture has announced the discovery of an ancient Nabataean temple with marble altars in the gulf of Pozzuoli, outside Naples, in Campania, Italy.

The Nabataean population was known for their settlements in the desert areas of the Arabian Peninsula, The Art Newspaper reported.

About 2,000 years ago, they established a settlement in Pozzuoli, building up the largest commercial port in the Roman Mediterranean area, which declined by the end of the fifth century.

The discovery of the temple provides insight into the Pozzuoli port’s layout and the close relationship between the “sacred buildings” of the Nabataean community and the warehouses for goods in transit.

The ruins may remain on the seabed, and it is unclear if they will be removed.

The discovery was made possible through the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture, academic and scientific organizations in the region, and the underwater arm of the Carabinieri of Naples.

Written by staff