Claros
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the serene landscape of western Turkey, Claros is an ancient sanctuary steeped in myth and history. This revered site is home to the Temple of Apollo, a testament to the region's rich Hellenistic and Roman past. The temple, once a bustling center of prophecy, served as a beacon for pilgrims seeking divine guidance from the famed Claros Oracle.
The origins of Claros can be traced back to the 13th century BC, with the temple's most notable period of activity occurring between the 7th century BC and the 2nd century AD. This sacred precinct was intimately tied to the cult of Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, and prophecy. The temple itself was an architectural marvel of its time, with elegant columns and intricate carvings that captured the essence of the divine.
The Claros Oracle, second only to the famed Oracle of Delphi, was presided over by a priest known as the Clarien Apollo. The oracle gained prominence for its accurate prophecies and the sacred spring that was believed to bestow visionary powers upon those who drank from its waters.
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