Temple of Apollo, Didim 1890s

Temple of Apollo/Didim, 1911 (Photo: Eski Türkiye Fotoğrafları Arşivi) A headband, tie, or forehead band is worn around the head. It is believed that the words dedem (meaning “crown” in Sogdian), didem (in Pahlavi and Parthian) originated from the Ancient Greek verb diadima, which means “to tie around.” In relation to this, it was called diademme in...

The rich tapestry of ancient Didyma’s festivals is woven with threads of religious devotion, athletic competition, and cultural celebration. While the pre-300 B.C. festivals at Didyma remain largely shrouded in mystery, the evolution of these festivals provides fascinating insights into the religious and cultural life of the region. Here’s an...

In ancient Didyma, the festivals and religious rites extended far beyond the grand athletic contests and public ceremonies. Among the intricate rituals that marked the city’s religious calendar were the Feast of the Kosmoi and the Feast of the Molpoi. These events highlight the depth of Didyma’s religious practices and...

The Oracle of Didyma, was one of the most renowned ancient oracles in the world, also known as the “Didymaion,”. This sacred site, located near the coastal town of Didim on the Aegean coast of Turkey, was dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy and light. The Oracle of...

Apollo, a significant figure in both Greek and Roman mythologies, is a fascinating deity with manifold functions and roles. This blog post explores the various aspects of Apollo in these two ancient cultures. Apollo in Greek Mythology In Greek mythology, Apollo is one of the Olympian deities and is recognized...

The ancient world is a treasure trove of stories and symbols, where mythology and reality often intertwine. One such symbol is the Medusa head in Didymaion, a significant historical artifact located in Didyma, Turkey. This stone-carved Medusa head, part of a frieze on the architrave of the Temple of Apollo...