Robert Chadwick

MOABITE ALTARS. Many Moabite altars were found at Khirbat al-Mudayna (Mudeiniyeh), an outpost about 10.5 miles northeast of Dibon and 20.5 miles east of the Dead Sea. Three limestone altars (two of which are pictured) surfaced during excavations of a small temple near the town’s gate in 1999; all of them were originally broken but have been reconstructed. Measuring about 2.5 feet tall, the rectangular shaft altar has a drain hole (shown here), indicating that this altar was used for pouring libations. Traces of paint have been found on this altar.