Didyma, Aydin
by: cemcansever | Total views: 161 | Word Count: 469 | View PDF | Print View
Didyma Apollo Temple
DidymaThe god of Sun, light, music and prophecy Apollo is an Anatolian god whose root reaches until Hittites. A holly road was built between Miletos and Didyma and a bronze statue of Apollo was presented to the temple. This statue can also be seen in Miletos coins. The dimensions of the temple that bears the Ionic planning are 38 x 85 meters. The merchants and soldiers who were going to journey to the sea from Panormos seaport came here and had their fortunes told and maka sacrifices for the Gods. It is guessed that the 70 tons of one-piece marble block that sits between the doors opening to the courtyard, is the only architectural part in the world. This monumental building that is encircled with double lined 124 columns, consists of several parts. The persian who attacked to Miletos under the rule of King Dara after Lade sea war in 494 B.C. destroyed the temple. The reconstruction of the temple coincides with the Persian victory of Alexander the Great. The reconstruction of the temple coincides with the Persian victory of Alexander the Great. The reconstruction work of this magnificient temple went on until the 2nd century A.D. but couldn't have been finished. After the limited construction work, the dimensions of the templecame to approx. 109x51 meters. Only the priests and prophets could enter the "Cella Holy Place" with measurements of 53x21 meters. It today hosts the concerts and art organizations.
Miletos
Miletos was one of the oldest settlements of Ionia. According to some antique geographers Miletos was founded by Cretans. But according to Iliad of Homer, it is founded by Ionians under the rule of Neleus who was the son of Athens King Kodros. Miletos is an important settlement with its architectural, archeological and cultural specifications. There are two temples dedicated to fertility goddesses Demeter and Kore in the Holly Area apart from the seaport gate at the end of the holly road.
Theatre
Miletos theatre has an important place among the theatres of West Anatolia. The theatre, 140 meters wide and 30 meters high, draws attention with its magnificient structure.
Priene
One of the 12 cities of Ionians founded in 12th century B.C. According to European historians it is considered as the Pompei of Anatolia. Among the widely spread ruins, Demeter Temple in Centrum that was built in 2nd century B.C, the work of architect Pytheas, Athena Polias Temple on the hill; Isis and Zeus Temples; Holy Stoa, 116 meters long with Agora; the council hall that has marble seats on northeast part; on the north of Agora, the theatre that the seats carved on the slope of the hill, with a capacity of 5 thousand people; upper Gymnasium next to the theatre, city walls, aquaducts, Byzantium castle and Bishopric Church for 600 persons near the theatre are the places worth visiting.
About the Author
cemcansever www.lifeturkey.net
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