How did Nabataean temples differ from open-air sanctuaries?

Nabataean open-air sanctuaries, often referred to as high places, were typically carved directly into rock on elevated sites. These sacred enclosures, or haram, were accessible only to those who were ritually clean and dressed in appropriate ritual clothing. They featured elements such as sacrificial altars, basins, and podiums displaying baetyls—sacred stones representing the gods—or statues.1

In contrast, Nabataean stone-built temples were more elaborate, enclosed structures. They consisted of a rectangular walled area containing a stone canopy or a closed cella, which housed the altar for sacrifices or the idol of the deity. These temples often included additional rooms and cisterns to support their functions. While open-air sanctuaries focused on the ritual use of natural high-altitude spaces, the stone-built temples provided a more structured, sheltered environment for religious practice.1