The 2,000-year-old temple of the goddess Demeter in the ancient city of Blaundos in the Ulubey district of Uşak will be brought to its feet with excavation and restoration works.
The ancient city of Blaundos, built on a peninsula surrounded by deep valleys on three sides, had a strategic position between the Lydian and Phrygian regions.
Blaundos is a city that is estimated to have been founded by people from Macedonia. The city, which became an important center in the Hellenistic period, continued to develop during the Roman Empire.
Started in 2018, excavations were intensified this year in the area north of the city where the Temple of Demeter is located.
The Temple of the Goddess Demeter is thought to have been built during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius, who ruled between 41-54 AD.
Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Sabri Ceylan, who gave information about the works, said, “The Temple of Demeter is located at the most important point of the city. It is close to the city’s bazaar center. There is also an altar area around the temple. This year we are carrying out excavations especially in the western and northern parts of the temple. Then, according to the results, we will start restoration works, with the columns of the Temple of Demeter being the priority.”
Ceylan said, “Restoration work is something that takes a long time and cannot be done all at once. Especially the sorting, relocation and reorganization of the blocks takes time. But we plan to bring the Temple of Demeter back to its feet within 3 years.”
Goddess Demeter, who represents the relationship between nature and man, fertility and motherhood
In Ancient Greece, the goddess Demeter is seen as the deity of agriculture and the cycles of nature, which are vital for humans.
Daughter of the Titans Kronos and Rhea, Demeter is the sister of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera and Hestia.
As the goddess of agriculture and fertility, Demeter ensures the fertility of the soil, directs the growth of plants and the harvest seasons. She is also the symbol of motherhood and family ties.
The ear of wheat, the torch, the snake and the pig are often associated with Demeter.
Cover Photo: Mehmet Çalık/AA
