Archaeoastronomy and the chronology of the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek

TL;DR

This paper investigates the chronology and architectural features of the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek, using archaeoastronomical analysis to suggest a unified construction under Herod the Great.

Contribution

It offers new insights into the temple's dating and architectural planning through orientation analysis and interpretation of site features.

Findings

Orientation suggests a unified project of both podia.

Construction likely under Herod the Great.

Provides clues about the cult's nature and site chronology.

Abstract

One of the most complex architectural feats ever conceived is the magnificent temple of Jupiter at Baalbek, Lebanon. Several issues remain unsolved about this site, and in particular the chronology and dating of the two podia and the true nature of the cult. We present here some hints coming from orientation and from other features of the temple, which seem to point to a unified project of both podia, originally conceived under Herod the Great.