Didyma - Temple of Apollo

 
The huge Temple of Apollo or Didymaion has been well-excavated and partially restored. It stood on a northeast/southwest axis and was originally surrounded by a sacred grove. At the northeast end lay a semi-circular partly-raised terrace dating from the Archaic period, on which stood a portico, other buildings and various votive offerings. Four 2.50m/8ft wide flights of steps led down to the cella of the temple.

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Outside the northeast end of the temple stands the main altar, similar to the one at Olympia in the Peloponnese. Within a low parapet was a conical structure built up from ashes mixed with the blood of sacrificial animals. To the north of the altar are bases for votive statues and a well dating from the Hellenistic period. Seven tiers of seating for spectators at the Didyma games run alongside the southeast side of the temple at a distance of 15m/50ft. The temple itself measured 108m/356ft long and 50m/165ft across. The unusual column bases dating from the time of Caligula (A.D. 37-41) are arranged in matching pairs. The corner columns on the east front had figural capitals from the A.D. second century each with two bulls' heads, a bust of a god and a griffin. Foliage ornaments and Medusa heads alternated on the frieze.

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The Temple of Apollo at Didyma.The Temple of Apollo at Didyma.
Columns at the Temple of Apollo at Didyma.Columns at the Temple of Apollo at Didyma.
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