Qedem 36
The Architecture of Oboda
1997
The Nabatean site of Oboda (Avdat), excavated in 1958-1961, 1975-1977, and 1989, is renowned for its imposing architectural remains. The final report presents the architectural remains of the Nabatean sacred compound, of which the retaining walls, the temple court, the staircase tower, and the magnificent portal have survived, as well as the remains of a small temple identified with the deified King Obodas and discovered in 1989. Remains of the Late Roman period include a well-preserved tower, a patrician villa, and a burial cave. In the Late Roman-Byzantine period a citadel with walls and towers was built. Byzantine remains include the two churches constructed within the Nabatean sacred compound, a cave dwelling, a burial cave, and a bath house. Special reports describe the Late Roman and Byzantine architectural decoration, architectural elements in secondary use, coins, and small finds, including the splendid hoard of bronzes.