11. Temple C

Temple C is located in the eastern part of Adulis, in quad E6 . Its architectural layout is similar to some old churches in NHA that are extant from medieval times. It has eight columns arranged in a circle at the center of the building most likely to support a structure for devotional frankincense burning to the gods . Such structures are preferred for public display of devotion. In the base, it has two rows of five short columns to support the base floor. These columns together with walls support the living floor. The floors are made of cut stone supported by a good deal of wood underneath. Based on the sizable quantity of alabaster found in this temple, it is possible the floor might have made of cut Alabaster.

A baptismal tub/ well was discovered at the south-east rectangular room as noted by blue shading in the floor plan. The wall of the baptismal container was broken and taken. Paribeni’s field notes indicate that just under the rim of the tub, a red plaster with inscriptions was observed, most likely from the walls of the tub. It is also possible this might be a well, although if so an uncommonly small one given its diameter being 0.90 m.

The high-grade walls that support the baptismal tub/well is a clear indication it was built with the base floor being open, or rather a proof of the presence of a base floor. There is no documented evidence available so far as to the entry point to the base floor given the level of destruction this built form endured. The most likely location is the northeast room to make use of the space on the base floor.

Based on the numerous ampullae of St. Minas found in this church, this tub/well might have been used as a refilling station. St. Minas/Menas (285- 389) was an Egyptian saint very popular during the 4th century as patron of merchants and travelers, and loved for purported miracles. Holy-water of St. Minas was commonly brought from Egypt and mixed it a larger vessel/tab/well filling many ampullae. Such waters were enormously popular and in demand to cure many ancient diseases.

The living floor holds four columns at the entry of the building, and together with the central column and walls of the Sacristy support the roof. Wood fragments documented at Adulis suggest the beams were mostly made of East African-Cedar (Juniperus procera) or Wild Olive (Olea africana, also commonly known as the iron tree for its hardness when cutting or splitting it with an ax).

Temple C also shares the same template of architectural design as the Court House, Temple A, and B, supporting the interpretation of the central planning. Adulis seems to align with the NW and SE axis.