Evaluations On Stratonikeia North City Gate Entrances And Cult Connections;

Abstract

One of the most magnificent structures of the city of Stratonikeia is a monumental gateway, currently referred to as the “Stratonikeia North City Gate”, comprising two entrances to the north of the city and the nymphaeum in between. Very large festivals were organized in the Hekate and Panamaros Sanctuaries of Stratonikeia. These festivals, which start in the sanctuaries, are organized in relation to Stratonikeia and the rituals continue in the city accompanied by processions passing through the North City Gate of Stratonikeia. Therefore, components of the ceremonies were held in the city, along the sacred road, and in the sacred areas. It is known that festivals such as “Triakades” and “Genethlia” associated with the Hekate cult were developed, along with two significant festivals named “Kleidos agoge” and “Hekatesia-Romaia”. Particularly in the “Hekatesia-Romaia” festival, Stratonikeia, under the title of “Roma Thea Euergetes” (Beneficent Goddess), collaborated with other cities in hosting a joint festival, accepting the “Asylia” from 57 participating cities in honour of Hekate Soteira Epiphaneia (Manifest Saviour). Three festivals were celebrated in connection with the cult of Zeus Panamaros. Among them, Komyria and Heraia took place in the Panamaros Sacred Area, while Panamareia was celebrated in the city of Stratonikeia. Although the complete list of cities participating in the Panamareia festival is not yet known, it is understood that Stratonikeia hosted the Panamareia festival on a global scale for the second time, attracting the participation of many cities. The west side of the Stratonikeia North City Gate is identified as the entrance to Hekate, while the east side is associated with Zeus Panamaros, indicating the utilization of the city's two sacred areas during festivals. The presence of two entrances in the north city gate of Stratonikeia is believed to be related to the existence of two associated sacred areas. In this context, the study analyses the relationship between the city and the sanctuaries, the impact, the meaning and the symbolic function of the North City Gate of Stratonikeia for the inhabitants of the city and the participants from other cities during the festivals. © 2024, Sabit Dokuyan. All rights reserved.