Labraunda Zeus Temple — Karian Sanctuary of Zeus Labraundos
Labraunda temple · Zeus Chrysaoreus?
Hekatomnid to Roman (351 BCE – 300 CE)·Hekatomnid Karian to Roman Mylasa·🇹🇷 Muğla Province, Milas district, Labraunda mountain sanctuary in Latmus range 14 km NE of Milas, Turkey
About
About Labraunda Zeus Temple — Karian Sanctuary of Zeus Labraundos
Mountain sanctuary of Zeus Labraundos 14 km northeast of Milas at 680 m in the Latmus pine forest, founded by Hekatomnid Idrieus 351 BCE with Temple of Zeus (6×12 ionic with Swiss marble) and Maussollian androns (dining halls) of Maussolos for banquet ritual. Labrys double-axe emblem. Sacred way from Mylasa with 14 km paved via fountain houses. Swedish excavations 1948–.
Why it mattersBest preserved Hekatomnid sanctuary showing Karian dynast mimesis of Persian paradeisos fused with Greek temple
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Zeus Labraundos vs Chrysaoreus syncretism
- 02Hekatomnid self-deification degree
Theories
- 01Hekatomnid mountain legitimization
- 02Karian Greek–Persian hybrid style
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Idrieus dedication 351 BCE; temple c.350; androns 355–344
- Period
- Hekatomnid to Roman (351 BCE – 300 CE)
- Culture
- Hekatomnid Karian to Roman Mylasa
- Purpose
- Karian Zeus as war god with labrys double-axe; dynastic legitimacy
- Abandoned
- c.300 CE
- Excavation
- Excavated
351 BCE
Temple of Zeus built by Idrieus inscription
355 BCE
Maussolos South Propylon Andron
1948
Swedish Labraunda project starts
On the ground
Structures & features
37.4190° N · 27.8190° E · 680 m · 3 mapped features
Temple of Zeus Labraundos
temple6×12 ionic temple 13×26 m with anta door
37.4192° N · 27.8193° EAndron B of Maussolos
andronDining hall 11×13 m with 10 klinai banqueting bases
37.4189° N · 27.8188° ESacred Way Fountain House
fountainSpring fountain 7 km from Milas on paved way
37.4200° N · 27.8140° E
Gallery