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Labranda, is a holy area of Zeus
Labraundos, is in ancient Karia (South-western Anatolia), 14 km to
the north-east of Mylasa city to which it is affiliated.
The most ancient findings belong to the year 600 BC.The area that
was used as holy area in the 6th and the 5th centuries and then as
temple terrace consisted of a single, small, artificial terrace. A
war took place in the holy area in 497 BC and Karia army has been
defeated by the Persian army with its alliances.
The 4th century BC is the most important period for the temple. At
the times of the satraps named Mausolos (377 - 352 BC) and Idrieus
(351 - 344 BC), this place gained a new appearance. In 355, during
the sacrifice festival in Labranda, Mausolos escaped from an
assassination attempt on his life at the last moment. Buildings such
as a series of artificial terraces, one or two entrance buildings, a
small Dor building (probably a fountain building), monumental stairs,
two large feast halls (androns), a shed building (called oikoi),
Stoa and Zeus Temple surrounded with columns must have been
constructed after this event. With the death of Idrieus in 344, such
works have been stopped. Because of the big fire disaster that took
place in the 4th century BC, the holy area has lost its feature of
being a cult place.
The excavation works here were started in 1948 by A.W.Persson and
have been continuing with intervals since that time. The current
excavations are being conducted by P. Hellström.
The access from Mylasa to the holy area was provided via the holy
road which is 8 metres wide. The laying traces on this road can be
seen even today. The access to the area was provided with one of the
two entrance buildings (propylon). These were impressive passage
doors made of Milas marble, having two columns and Ionian frontons
on each side.
The building called "Dor building" was located to the east of the
southern propylon building with its irregular formation, which
resembles a rectangle. It is a building that is turned towards
north, has four columns, a front courtyard, a marble side and is in
Dor style. It had the function of a fountain building. This small
building was included in the bath complex.
The stadium lies 200 m to the west of the holy building. Its back
side is reinforced with a retaining wall. The starting and final
stones used for the competitions still exist at both ends. It is
supposed that some competitions were organized in the holy area here
during the feast of 5 days. |
