Temple of Hercules Gaditanus

The Temple of Hercules Gaditanus, Temple of Melqart or Temple of Hercules-Melqart was a place of worship in Antiquity in the southern outskirts of Gadir-Gades (current-day Cádiz), perhaps dating as early as the 8th century BC [1]. Operating under Tyrian, Carthaginian and Roman rule, it once was one of the most important sanctuaries in the Western World [1]. It was paid respect by the likes of Hannibal, Scipio Africanus and Caesar [1]. It was initially dedicated to the Phoenician god Melqart and then to Hercules [1]. The sanctuary was likely a complex of buildings where the main structure could be accessed through a gateway flanked by two large columns [1].