1800-year-old statue head in Fethiye Castle: May Belong to God Apollo!

During excavations in Fethiye Castle, a 1800-year-old statue head thought to belong to the god Apollo was found.

Situated in the Fethiye district of Mugla province in southwest Türkiye is the Fethiye Castle.

Situated close to the rock tombs on a hilltop overlooking the city is Fethiye Castle, one of the city’s most emblematic buildings.

The castle was utilized as a residential area following the Crusades, while its exact construction date is unknown. It is believed to have been rebuilt by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century. Some of the castle’s structures are thought to date back to the Byzantine era.

The excavation work started 3 years ago in the castle continues under the scientific responsibility of Prof. Dr. Kadir Pektaş.

Prof. Dr. Kadir Pektaş said, “During our work in the area where the flagpole is located in the inner castle, a statue head was found inside the wall, which we estimate to be from the 2nd century AD. This is a very important piece for us. In addition, coins belonging to the Turkish-Islamic period, Ottoman and Menteşeoğlu Principality period were unearthed.”

In the interior of the fortress, cannonballs, items used in daily life and ceramic fragments were also unearthed.

Stating that studies are continuing on who the statue head belongs to, Pektaş said, “The statue head may belong to Apollo or another historical person. One thing is certain, since the drill was used, it became clear that it belongs to the 2nd century A.D.”

Apollo, the god of music, the arts, the sun, fire, and poetry, is a significant figure in Greek mythology. Additionally, he had authorization in the areas of wisdom and prophesy. Zeus and Leto’s son Apollo is renowned for his good looks, youth, and skill. The goddess of hunting, Artemis, is his twin sister.

Cover Photo: AA