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The Temple of Apollo at Didyma, also known as the Didymaion, was one of the largest and most significant temples in the ancient Greek world. Located about 18 kilometers south of the ancient port city of Miletus on the western coast of modern-day Turkey, the temple was dedicated to the god Apollo and was renowned for its oracle, which was second in importance only to the oracle at Delphi. The oracle at Didyma played a crucial role in the religious and political life of Miletus and the broader Mediterranean world.

The Didymaion was the third and largest temple that the Greeks built around the site of a natural spring, which they believed to be the source of the oracle's prophetic power. The first temple was a humble structure that replaced a much earlier Carian sanctuary. In the 6th century BCE, the people of nearby Miletus began construction on a second, much larger temple. This second temple was wider and as long as the Parthenon in Athens, reflecting the growing fame and influence of the oracle. However, this temple was plundered and destroyed, either in 494 BCE by the Persian king Darius or in 479 BCE by his son and successor Xerxes. Legend has it that the sacred spring ceased to flow until Alexander the Great re-consecrated the site in 331 BCE.

The Milesians designed the Hellenistic Didymaion to rival the largest temple in the Greek world—the nearby Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Didymaion possessed an enormous temple platform or podium that created a level building area of over 5,500 square meters. Upon this raised platform rested 122 massive columns, each 2.5 meters in diameter, that in turn supported an elaborate coffered roof. The walls of the temple rose to a towering height of nearly 28 meters above the ground.

In a world where “church and state” were inseparable, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma played a critical role in the religious and political life of ancient Miletus. The temple complex served as the site of important religious festivals, sacrifices, and votive offerings, while the oracle exercised a significant influence on Milesian civic statutes, treaties, and public enterprises. The importance of the site meant that the office of the high priest, whose job it was to preside over the sanctuary, was an immensely powerful and highly sought-after position.

During the 5th and 6th centuries CE, when the vast majority of Greek and Roman temples were simply abandoned, the Didymaion was singled out for Christian reuse. A small three-aisled basilica was built deep within the adyton of the temple. Because of the Didymaion's unique design, the Christian reuse of this site stands out from other examples of temple appropriation. Most surviving examples suggest that Christians preferred to build churches where they were highly visible, but at Didyma, the church was built on the unpaved adyton floor where it was completely invisible to people passing by outside the ancient temple.

The Temple of Apollo at Didyma was a magnificent example of Greek architecture and religious practice. Its history, political and religious significance, and unique design made it one of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient world. Although the temple was never completed, its ruins remain an impressive sight that continues to inspire admiration for ancient Greek culture and architecture.

The inner courtyard, known as the adyton, was the central part of the temple where sacred rituals were performed. The adyton was accessible only to priests and was the place where oracles were delivered. The temple was renowned for its oracle, which was the second most important in the ancient world, after Delphi.

The architecture of the temple was remarkable, with large columns and richly decorated reliefs. The inner courtyard was surrounded by high walls, providing privacy and a sacred atmosphere. In the center of the courtyard was a sacred spring, which played a crucial role in the rituals, as water was considered holy.

The summary source: information boards in Didymaion.

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