TRACES OF RITUAL: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROCK-CUT SANCTUARY AT ESKİŞEHİR YAZILIKAYA/MIDAS FORTRESS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14795/jaha.12.2.2025.1275Keywords:
Phrygian Civilization, Midas Fortress, Agdistis Sanctuary, Rock-cut altar, Ritual activitiesAbstract
Yazılıkaya/Midas Fortress in Central Anatolia, situated amidst towering cliffs and deep valleys, encircled by fortifications hewn from volcanic rock, represents the most significant sacred settlement of the Phrygian Civilization. The unique rock monuments on the plateau serve as critical tangible evidence illuminating Phrygian religious practices. Recent excavations were conducted in the vicinity of the monumental Phrygian rock-cut altar, located to the west of the acropolis. This area is referred to as the Agdistis Sanctuary due to the inscribed votive steles from the Roman Period previously uncovered here. These excavations have yielded vital insights into the organization of ritual activities performed directly in front of the rock-cut altar. This paper aims to evaluate the architectural features unearthed for the first time through extensive excavations at this Phrygian rock-cut altar, in light of archaeological and anthropological findings, and to elucidate the usage of this space for ritual preparations.
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