Letoon

The Letoon ( ancient Greek: Λητώον - LETOON ) was the ancient sanctuary of the nearby city of Xanthos and the Lycian Federation. About eight centuries were worshiped here until the late antiquity Leto, Artemis and Apollo. The ruins of the temples and other buildings belong together with the remains of Xanthos since 1988 as World Heritage ( World Heritage, UNESCO). The two sites in Lycia (Asia Minor, Turkey) are about 35 km southeast of Fethiye.

History

Ceramic finds from the 8th century BC prove the early history of this place. Here, in one source, worshiped that place in Greek mythology where Artemis and Apollo, Leto their children in Lycia washed on the run from Hera in holy water. The history of the shrine is closely linked to that of Xanthos, the long time led the Lycian Federation. All common cultic celebrations, theatrical performances and competitions of the Lycian cities found here in Letoon instead. An expanded many times, Stoa and a small theater testify to this. Even in the time of Hadrian the sacred spring was taken into a new, magnificent Nymphaeum ( fountain building). The stadium has not yet been found. Although originated in the early Christian period once a convent, but with the onslaught of the Arabs in the 7th century ending the occupation of the site. Since 1962, French excavations take place here.

Small digression: Ovid then and now

Ovid white Leto saga in his Metamorphoses (VI, 340-380 ) one more detail to add: As punishment, the goddess transformed those farmers who stood her on the way to the source in the way in frogs. Has on the swampy location of Letoons since ancient times, so apparently nothing changed. The space of the source is now under water again, the excavations find some place under the water surface. Even the farmers is still there. Today, however, block only their goats and dried vegetables the way through the world heritage here and there.

The temples and buildings of Letoon

On a small rocky ridge between two swamps are arranged parallel to the foundations of three temples. The central building of the 4th century BC, is the smallest and oldest and Artemis was dedicated. He concludes in his former Cella a one apparently already worshiped in archaic times sacred boulders. To the east was built in the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Apollo on a 200 year old predecessor. In the West, one of Leto consecrated peripteral was built as the largest plant to 160 BC. All three buildings are heavily damaged.

In the immediate south in the swamp was the sacred source. Foundations have shown that here was a place of worship already in the Archaic period. Today, the remains of a magnificent Nymphaions from the Roman period can be seen. The semi-circular paved pool with a diameter of 27 meters is adjacent to a rectangular receding well house. In exact axial alignment then the parts of the Roman building was also right here, built in the center of the place of worship in the early Christian period the monastery, covered.

A third building complex is located in the north of the temple situated marsh meadow. The Stoa was also created in the Archaic period and expanded several times to n in the 2nd century AD. The little remote Hellenistic theater, the stage area is no longer received is greater than a semi-circle and tells a diazoma ( intermediate course ) the rows of seats in an upper and lower rank.

The inscription stele

→ Main article Trilingue from Letoon

1973 inscribed stele was found near the temple of Apollo, which linguists and historians went under her spell and is now located in the Museum of Fethiye. She is content, a decree ordering the introduction of a Carian cult gods in Xanthos. The decree was written in three languages ​​, in Aramaic ( the lingua franca in the Achaemenid Empire ), Lycian and Greek. As the author of the inscription Pixodaros, the satrap of Caria ( and Lycia ) makes its appearance.