“Panoramas”

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Function

The term “panorama” is used in local parlance to refer to the structure from which one looks at the excavations. They are placed high on artificial knolls, and thus serve as overall vista points from which to survey broad portions of the archaeological landscape.

At these locations we have placed permanent shades that allow the visitor to take in a broad view of selected areas, and to reflect on important implications.

The location high above the ground level of the ancient monuments facilitates these moments of synthesis and reflection. It allows to see broad connections among elements of the architecture and the stratigraphy, which may be too foreshortened on the ground so as to result in a myopically limited view. These larger vistas are thus meant to facilitate our view of the historical unfolding which is inscribed in the monuments, rather than to bring us down to their level, where we would seek to recreate the ancient perception. This task is reserved to the reading stands.

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The current three panoramas

Two “panoramas” are housed in two kiosks that overlook the Temple and the Palace, respectively. A knoll has been prepared for a third “panorama,” set between Temple and Palace, which will present a view of the link between the two.

We expect these “panoramas” to remain in the present shape and location for a number of years to come, although the design is so conceived as to allow the relatively easy replacement of the individual plates.

Under the headings Temple and Palace one will find details on the two kiosk set-ups and the full text of all the plates exhibited.

The translation into Arabic is by Rasha Endari with the assistance of Yasmine Mahmoud.