International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XL-5/W2, 2013
XXIV International CIPA Symposium, 2 — 6 September 2013, Strasbourg, France
Figure 12. The Terrain model with the integration of the Hosn-
Niha sanctuary in the landscape model: sanctuary overlooking
the village. O J. Yasmine; 2005.
These aspects that explain the localization of the landscape
features were put into light with the aid of the 3D model
provided at both the landscape and architectural level (Fig. 12).
5. THE TRANSFORMATION OF A SANCTUARY
THROUGHOUT HISTORY
Following the archaeological and architectural analysis of the
remains, it was possible to propose a hypothetical
reconstruction of the sanctuary and its transformation
throughout history. The 3D integrated model helped to confirm
or invalidate the various hypotheses. The showcase developed
below is the one of the Hosn-Niha sanctuary'.
5.1 Hosn-Niha in the 1* century: the birth
The birth of the Hosn-Niha site and sanctuary can be explained
with the presence of blowing springs in the upper part of the
village, around the sanctuary. The ancient roman route (via
romana) is located in the middle of three or four blowing
springs that spurt during snowmelt. The builders chose a high
point for the sanctuary, near the geologic stratification proper to
be used as a quarry. They bore a well to capture the water of the
surrounding springs and placed it in the centre of the very first
sanctuary (Fig. 13). At that time, the sanctuary was located
directly under the biggest quarry located to the north. The main
elevation of the temple was opened towards the core of the 1“
village located underneath.
Figure 13. The architectural 3D model of the
1* sanctuary of Hosn-Niha. O J. Yasmine; 2005.
' The site of Niha did not provide sufficient authentic
archaeological remains for a scientific analysis of the
successive transformations. Only architectural remains of the
temples provided evidence of the transformation. See in this
regard Yasmine, J. (2009), pp. 141-146.
703
5.2 Hosn-Niha in the 2"
transformation
century: monumental
During the 2"° century AD, the wealth of the Roman Empire
and its local representative in Baalbek and Berytus’ initiated
important imperial projects in the various colonies of the
Levant. Hosn-Niha was among the chosen sites that underwent
such projects. In our case, the builders chose a new location for
the quarry located to the west of the first. A huge platform was
erected over which they built the new roman style temple (Fig.
14). The new temple overlooks and faces the old altar and well
of the former sanctuary (Fig. 15). At the same time, its main
façade is opened towards the new extension of the village
following urban planning guidelines as given by Vitruvius
(Vitruvius, Book III, Chapter 7). 3D model of the landscape
confirms these characteristics of the sanctuary vis-à-vis the
village.
Figure 14. The wall retaining the new platform housing the 2™
century temple of Hosn-Niha. © J. Yasmine; 2003.
Figure 15. The architectural 3D model of the
pM sanctuary of Hosn-Niha. O J. Yasmine; 2005.
5.3 Hosn-Niha in the 5" / 6™ century: destruction of the
temple and construction of the church.
Strong earthquakes shook the Levant between the 3™ and the 6"
century. It is likely that temple A of Hosn-Niha was partially
destroyed at that time. The courtyard facing temple A was used
for the construction of the new church after the rise of
Christianity. The architectural survey of the Byzantine church
revealed the reuse of the temple blocs in the construction of the
* Baalbek and Berytus were the two most important Roman
colonies of the Levant.
