Jabal Ithlib

Nabataean religious life would appear to have been diverse, with a pantheon of gods that borrowed elements from contemporary civilisations whilst being uniquely local. Religious life was expressed both publicly and privately. Religion and ritual at Hegra seems to have been concentrated in the area within the colossal and spectacular Jabal Ithlib, with access gained via a narrow passageway through the gorge known as the Siq. This feature takes its name from the well-known passageway found at Petra, though Hegra’s example is much shorter.
To the right of the entrance to the Siq is the Diwan, a large feasting hall, or triclinium, cut deep into the rock. Around this area are numerous betyls, rectangular representations of deities, also cut into the rock face. Despite their relative simplicity, these representations were differentiated through their stylistically carved eyes and noses. Throughout the Nabataean kingdom, these betyls frequently appear in secluded or elevated places. Together with accompanying inscriptions around the Siq area, these confirm the religious aspect of the Jabal Ithlib within the Hegra site.
This example is found towards the top of Jabal Ithlib and is thought to represent al-Uzza based on comparison with examples at Petra. In the Nabataean pantheon, there was a chief god and chief goddess. At Petra, their names were Dushara and al-Uzza respectively, whilst elsewhere in the kingdom they may have been known by different names whilst bearing the same characteristics. Dushara may be equated with the Greek god Zeus, king of the heavens, whilst al-Uzza represented fertility and may be equated to Aphrodite/Venus.