Awwam Temple

The Awwam temple at Marib, known locally as Mahram Bilqis after the queen of Sheba, was the principal sanctuary of the Sabaean state, dedicated to the god Almaqah, and its enclosing wall runs in an oval of dressed stone around a hundred metres across with a colonnaded hall at the entrance, standing where centuries of sand had buried it. UNESCO inscribed it in 2023 as part of the Sabaean landmarks property.

Background

Awwam stands 7 kilometres southeast of ancient Marib and is the largest temple complex known in South Arabia. Worship continued here from the opening of the 1st millennium BC to the 4th century AD. Pilgrims set out from the Harunum Temple and followed a processional road to Awwam, in a communal pilgrimage of perhaps eight to ten days in the month of Dhu-Abhay. Facing north-east toward the rising sun, the temple opens through a propylaeum of eight pillars into a peristyle hall of about 42 m × 19 m, with 32 pillars and 64 false windows. Nearly a thousand inscriptions have come from the site, and digging in the paved courtyard found bronze plaques, altars and pottery statues.

Source: Wikipedia, "Temple of Awwam"

The main sights

• The oval wall - dressed stone running around a hundred metres across.
• The entrance hall - the colonnaded structure at the temple's approach.
• The Almaqah dedication - the god the Sabaean state's principal sanctuary served.
• The 2023 inscription - the UNESCO listing of the Sabaean landmarks.

When to go

October to March is the cool season. Summer at Marib is extremely hot with no shade. Site access depends on conditions and should be checked.

Practical notes

The site has been damaged and access has been uncertain in recent years; it should not be assumed open. Much remains buried under sand. Access to mainland Yemen requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Marib is nearby, and the ancient dam is west.

Key facts