The Temple of Hecate
An aerial view and floor plan of the Temple of Hecate. Photo: Pamukkale University
The sanctuary of Hecate at Lagina, located in Turkey’s Muğla province, stands as one of the most significant religious sites associated with the goddess Hecate.
It is one of two sacred centers of the ancient Carian city of Stratonicea, which lies just 8.5 kilometers away. Hecate, a deity from ancient Greek religion and mythology, was linked with magic, crossroads, and the underworld.
At the heart of this archaeological site stands the Temple of Hecate, a masterpiece of Hellenistic architecture and a powerful symbolic narrative that offers insight into the political and cultural dynamics of the era.
Design and Structure of the Temple
Built upon a five-stepped terrace, the temple follows the pseudoperipteral design (a type of temple where the columns of the outer colonnade are attached to the walls of the cella as half-columns) and is oriented along a northwest-southeast axis.
Aerial view and floor plan of the Temple of Hecate. Photo: Pamukkale University
The temple features eight columns on its narrow side and eleven along its longer side.
The columns reflect a refined blend of Ionic and Corinthian styles, showcasing the richness of Hellenistic architectural tradition. Anthemion (honeysuckle) motifs decorate the entablature, though some remain unfinished—an indication of the temple’s complex and prolonged construction process.
Pediments Depicting Peace and Divine Combat
The exterior friezes of the temple present four key scenes:
The eastern frieze illustrates the birth and life of Zeus.
The northern frieze depicts peace and friendship between the Amazons and the Greeks, with Hecate shown pouring a sacred libation to honor the alliance.
Another eastern frieze shows the epic battle between gods and giants—the Gigantomachy—with Hecate wielding her signature torch like a weapon.
The southern frieze likely represents deities from Caria and its cities, though their exact identification remains uncertain.
This unique combination of themes reflects the political messaging of the Hellenistic era, emphasizing peace following prolonged periods of conflict and war.
Reconstruction of the Temple’s Façade. Photo: anatoliaarchaeology.net
Restoration of the façade of the Temple of Hecate. Photo: anatoliaarchaeology.net
Divine and Heroic Scenes in the Friezes
Recent excavations uncovered additional frieze fragments on the temple walls, depicting scenes distinct from those found on the columns.
These pediments may portray heroes from the Trojan War and assemblies of gods—such as Hermes, Demeter, Hades, and Persephone. In contrast to the dynamic battle scenes, these vignettes convey calm, harmonious moments that symbolize order and stability.
Ritual Practices Honoring Hecate
A sunken votive pit discovered in the temple floor points to rituals related to Hecate’s role as a goddess of the underworld.
Similar sacrificial scenes are depicted on the northern frieze, suggesting that important ceremonies took place in the temple’s innermost sanctuary.
Ongoing Research and Conservation Efforts
Since 1993, archaeological teams have meticulously documented and mapped the temple’s architectural elements to guide conservation efforts.
The column bases and capitals have been temporarily relocated to give visitors a clearer view of the temple’s original layout.
Some decorative elements date to the Early Roman Imperial Period, indicating that construction and embellishment of the temple continued for centuries.
Dating the Temple: A Timeline of Asia Minor’s Ancient Greek Heritage
An inscription from the Roman Senate, engraved on the temple wall, confirms its existence by at least 81 BCE.
However, architectural details suggest that construction phases began in the late 2nd century BCE and continued into the early 1st century BCE.
The combination of Corinthian capitals and other stylistic features points to the temple’s intricate building history and the sustained artistic activity throughout its development.
