Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (16.2004(2005))

CHHIM

LEBANON

Assuming the material from unit B is
representative for the whole complex (as is
apparently the architecture), it will date it
to the 1st century AD. Reused architectural
elements observed in the walls (column
drum, fragment of a threshold and stone
cylinder for roof repairs) came from the
dismantling of an earlier, presumably Hel-
lenistic structure.
TEMENOS STAIRS
Testing the slope below the threshold of
the south entry into the temenos revealed
a flight of stone steps directly under a thin
layer of rubble. There were six steps in all,
their line of symmetry decidedly askew
with regard to the axis of the temenos

threshold from the 2nd century AD
[Fig. 2],They should be interpreted as
related to the earlier threshold, found
c. 0.60 m below the first. The last visible
step of this staircase was cut off by a wall
belonging to the 2nd-century phase.
Open stratigraphy in this area preclud-
ed contextual dating, leaving us to con-
sider the results of previous excavation and
testing conducted in the southern part of
the temenos. It is possible that in the 1st
century AD a series of three or four rooms
was built on the natural slope, all facing
south and founded on bedrock. These units
were in use at the same time as the local
sanctuary, underlying the later temple of
the 2nd century AD and other village


Fig. 2. Steps leading up into the temenos on the south side
(Photo T. Waliszewski)

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