Aḍ-Ḍumayr

Aḍ-Ḍumayr (ancient Admedera or Thelsae) is located northeast of Damascus, in the direction of Palmyra and the Euphrates. It is the last major settlement of the Damascene region in that direction. Evidence exists of Nabataean presence in Aḍ-Ḍumayr as early as the 1st century C.E.

Five kilometers east of the town, a Roman military camp was constructed for the purpose of defending the oasis of Damascus and the road to Palmyra against the incursions of the nomadic tribes. Still in use in the 5th century C.E., it fell into ruin less than 100 years later when the Ġassānīds erected a new fortress known as al-Burǧ further south.

The basaltic altar in the photo dates from the 1st-3rd century C.E. It is nearly cubical in shape and has a height of 63 cm and a width of 29 cm. Surmounted by a bowl (recipient for the offerings), it has four faces depicting four different men.

A. A bearded man crowned by a laurel wreath.
B. A Roman youth whose hairstyle evokes that of Emperor Trajan (98-117 C.E.).
C. Alexander the Great.
D. An oriental monarch? possibly the Nabataean Aretas IV (9 B.C. - 40 C.E.).

A collection of the National Museum of Damascus.

Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.