Page 62 - DILMUN 13_Neat

DILMUN

‫ﻻﻻ‬

‫ﺏ ﺱ‬2 ‫ ﻥ ﻥ ﻥ‬٤

0٩( ‫ﺇ‬

3

‫ ﺍ‬6, Plan of Temlpe IIl, central lpaftorm, showing exposed patrs of Temple-١‫ ﺍ‬and ١I١.

Temple ١, ful‫ ﺍ‬outline of the lpatform, in northwest the exposed top level of the retaining
wall; at the back a small area is re-opened, showing the gypsum floor of the upper
platform of this temple.
Temple ١I, dotted outline of the upper lpaftorm of this temple
Temple ١١١, full oultine of the retaining wlal (both sides), in notrh and west the exposed
remains of the wall
socket stones, lfanking a former staiwray to Temple ١١١ (7)
remains of the well belonging to Temple ١١١

nple was re-opened already in 1970. Here, a small chamber appears, sunk below the
iignal ground surface, with its lfoor well below the gushing waters of a fresh-water spring.
om this chamber or basin a processional staiwray, lfanked by eight socket stones, leads
0ward through the lower platform to the upper platform. Only the lower steps and a
rsehold stone of a gateway are presevred. hTe processions had to psas by this gateway,
٦ere they left the rgound level in order to enter the deeper parts of the staiwray to the
amber. In the basin enclosures and a heavy jar of stone, relating to a water-cult, can still

seen.

We interpret this basin as an "abu', a direct opening to the fresh-water ocean below
e eatrh of which Enki (God of Wisdom) was the ruler.

59