The Carthaginian temples were often built raised or walled off in a separate precinct or acropolis. Since the temple was the "house" of the particular god or goddess, it was also the storehouse for the treasures belonging to the deity, so it was built sturdy to protect them. The temple staff would include priests, musicians, singers, diviners, scribes and sometimes armed guards, as well as other specialists, depending on the size and function of the temple. The temple staff was sustained in part by the proceeds of sacrifices, by supplies from the estates belonging to the temple, and in part by direct contributions from the local people. The essential religious function was the care of the statue of the god or goddess, offering sacrifices and performing the necessary rituals for the good of the people and the state. The temple staff probably had a leading role in the society and everyday life of the state.

The temples were built on a similar plan to houses, a rectangle with the entrance on one of the long sides, with an altar or niche ("cella") for the god statue opposite the entrance. The entrance incorporated a 'porch' with columns. Sometimes there were benches around three walls inside. Each temple had an outer court where the main altar was positioned, where a larger audience could participate in worship. There were also outdoor "shrines" where worship could be practiced. The typical trappings of a temple would include the "cult" statue, bowls and stands or tripods to support them, standing stones (or "stele") altars and benches. Special offerings might hang from the walls such as arms and armor captured in battle, or the skins of strange animals such as the three female "gorilla" skins from the expedition of Hanno on his voyage of discovery and colonization to west Africa. In the case of Hanno, a special bronze plaque was placed in the temple of Baal Hammon with the story of his exploits.

Next page > Hebrew Influence > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

This resource page is copyright © 2001-2002 Roy Decker.