Dedicated to Hathor, Egyptian goddess of mining, it was founded during the reign of Pharaoh Seti I (1318-1304 BCE). The sanctuary consisted of an open courtyard measuring 9 x 6 m., with a naos (cult chamber). The temple was badly damaged by earthquake and rebuilt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses III (1304-1237 BCE), with an enlarged courtyard (10 x 9 m.). Numerous Egyptian-made offerings, including many copper objects, alabaster vessels, cat and leopard figurines of faience, seals, beads and scarabs as well as Hathor sculptures, figurines and plaques were uncovered in the Egyptian temple.
With the decline of Egyptian control of the region in the middle of the 12th century BC the temple were restored by the Midianites, who remained in Timna for a short period after the Egyptians left. Remember Biblical narrative of Moses' meeting with Jethro, who was the high priest of Midianites? Jethro participated in the organization and cult of the Children of Israel in the desert (Exodus 18). There is a high chance that Moses would have been in Timnah during this fateful trip to meet Jethro, his future father-in-law. Among the finds in this Midianite shrine were beautifully decorated Midianite pottery, metal jewelry and a copper snake with gilded head-reminiscent of the copper serpent described in Numbers 21:6-9. A rock carving of Ramses III with Hathor resides at the top of steps next to the shrine.
With the decline of Egyptian control of the region in the middle of the 12th century BC the temple were restored by the Midianites, who remained in Timna for a short period after the Egyptians left. Remember Biblical narrative of Moses' meeting with Jethro, who was the high priest of Midianites? Jethro participated in the organization and cult of the Children of Israel in the desert (Exodus 18). There is a high chance that Moses would have been in Timnah during this fateful trip to meet Jethro, his future father-in-law. Among the finds in this Midianite shrine were beautifully decorated Midianite pottery, metal jewelry and a copper snake with gilded head-reminiscent of the copper serpent described in Numbers 21:6-9. A rock carving of Ramses III with Hathor resides at the top of steps next to the shrine.
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