Jupiter temple on Tel Al-Ras

Site description: The only Roman temple that was discovered in the city of Nablus in the Roman period, and according to the planning of the Roman city, which was composed of the lower city, includes public and private buildings for the city, and the upper city or the Acropolis, which was allocated for the establishment of temples and the citadel of government. This temple was built on top of the Tel Al-Ras, representing the Acropolis of the Roman Nablus. Where it was accessed through an ascending stone staircase, the number of steps of which is estimated at 1500 steps, and the excavations revealed its foundations. These pieces date back to the second century AD. Many travelers and pilgrims during the Byzantine period described the temple and the stairs ascending to it while passing the city.The temple is preceded by a hall borne on marble columns, where the remains of polished marble panels that covered the walls were discovered. The excavations also revealed many ancient steps that connected the temple to the city, and the retaining walls in its surrounding, which contributed to the formation and support of the outer yards of the temple. Several finds were discovered in that area; pools to collect rainwater and mosaic paved floors dating back to the Roman period.Tel Al-Ras is neglected and threatened with destruction due to the Israeli military practices when the Israelis set up a camp for the army on the hill area, and it is impossible to implement protection or rehabilitation plans for the site due to the occupation’s control.