Funerary temple

This temple is famous because of its location at the end of the Colonnaded Road. To whom this temple belonged is not clear. There is not enough evidence to attribute it to a specific family. However, the tomb probably belonged to a rich and important family in Palmyra. We believe this to be true because it is the only tomb to be found within the city’s walls. Since researchers are unable to identify the family to whom the temple belonged, it is simply referred to as the Funerary Temple no. 86.

This funerary building dates from the third century. The building is of the third type that you can see in Palmyra, the Temple Tombs. The facade of the building is simple but majestic. Six Corinthian columns, exquisitely decorated with grape leaves, support a portico. The walls of the temple have collapsed over the centuries. Through the main chamber, measuring roughly 18,5 by 15,5 meters, one accesses the crypt. At the far end of the chamber were sarcophagi placed on top of each other. On the right and left hand side of the room were additional loculi or burial chambers. The temple also features some empty niches, in which were probably displayed statues of the deceased.

Photo Peristyl House Palmyra Syria.JPG, by Jan F , is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5