The Treasury (Khazneh) 1

The Treasury (Khazneh) 1

The "Treasury" was probably constructed during the reign of the Nabatean ruler Aretas III Philhellene (82-62 B.C.).  It is probably a temple and not actually a tomb.

This tomb is divided into two stories.  The exterior of the lower storey has four free-standing and two engaged columns that support a classical-style architrave and triangular pediment.  Behind these columns is a porch with a large central door that leads into the primary shrine room that probably contained a statue of the deity al-'Uzza (the Nabatean equivalent of Aphrodite).  On the north and south sides of the porch door lead to side rooms.

On the upper storey is a round "tholos" that is crowned with a solid Urn.  The local population at times mistakenly thought that the urn was hollow and contained a treasury (thus the name Khazneh, Arabic of "treasury') and tried to break it open by shooting at it.