The Great Temple may have been improperly named because scholars are not convinced it was used for religious purposes. This first level, called the Lower Temenos, may have been a covered marketplace or forum. It was built in the 1st century AD during the temple’s second phase of construction. The Upper Temenos contained a theater (Theatron) or meeting hall. It was constructed during the 1st century BC. This entire structure fell into ruins during an earthquake in 363 AD. Hadrian’s Gate is in the right corner of this photo. Also notice the background structure between the two left columns. That is part of the Qasa Al-Bint Temple’s wall.
