Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Temple to Aphrodite in Turkey
Discovery of a Sixth-Century B.C. Temple
In western Turkey, archaeologists have made a significant discovery: a sixth-century B.C. temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The temple was unearthed during a survey of the Urla-Çeşme peninsula, a region with a rich history of human settlement dating back to the late Neolithic period.
Evidence of an Aphrodite Cult
The discovery of the temple provides evidence of an Aphrodite cult in the region. The team of archaeologists led by Elif Koparal, an archaeologist at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, uncovered part of a statue of a woman and a terracotta sculpture of a female head. An inscription found at the site states, “This is the sacred area,” further supporting the presence of an Aphrodite cult.
Aphrodite: The Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty
Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, and procreation, was widely worshipped in the Mediterranean region. She was often depicted as naked or mostly nude, and her cult had particular areas of strength in Cyprus and on the island of Cythera. The discovery of the temple in Turkey adds to the evidence of her widespread worship.
The Ancient City of Aphrodisias
The ancient city of Aphrodisias, a Unesco World Heritage site located southeast of the Urla-Çeşme site, was named after the goddess Aphrodite. Followers built a temple to Aphrodite there in the third century B.C., followed by the construction of the rest of the city, including a theater and bath complexes.
Preservation of the Archaeological Site
The archaeological site in Urla-Çeşme is facing threats from looters and urban development. The research team is working with local people to preserve the finds, which include prehistoric settlements, burial mounds, and caves used as sacred sites.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of the Aphrodite temple is significant for several reasons. It provides evidence of the widespread worship of Aphrodite in the ancient world. It also sheds light on the religious practices and beliefs of the people who lived in the Urla-Çeşme peninsula during the sixth century B.C. Furthermore, the discovery adds to our understanding of the development of urban centers in the region.
Other Archaeological Discoveries in the Region
In addition to the Aphrodite temple, archaeologists have made other significant discoveries in the region. Last fall, archaeologists excavating the city of Daskyleion’s acropolis unearthed a 2,400-year-old mask depicting Dionysus, the Greco-Roman god of wine and ecstasy. This discovery suggests that Dionysus was also worshipped in the region.
Ongoing Research
The research team led by Elif Koparal is continuing to excavate the Urla-Çeşme site. They hope to uncover more information about the Aphrodite cult and the people who lived in the region during the sixth century B.C. Their ongoing research will contribute to our understanding of ancient Greek religion and culture.