Artemis Cult on Bosporus: General and Local Features

Abstract

The article studies the Artemis worship on the Bosporus, including goddess’ common and local characteristics. Various religious beliefs related to Artemis had been present in Panticapaeum since its foundation in the 7th century BC due to first Milesian colonists, including apparently Artemis Delphinia and Chitone cults. More recently Artemis of Ephesus and Artemis Piphia cults appeared. Generally Artemis cult contains some archaic elements, among them the Great Goddess (especially in Artemis Tauropolos cult) and the Mistress of Animals features. Those elements were popular in the Bosporan religion, as reflected in unique monuments from the region, such as the statue of goddess with bull skull sitting on the acanthus plant. Hecate cult allegedly entered Panticapaeum from Miletus in Asia Minor version. Gradually in the Hellenistic period there is emerged Artemis-Hecate-Ditagoia cult as a result of several factors, among which were local and Attic influences. Artemis-Hecate as a savior had a strong connection with afterlife and magic rituals. The next flourishing of Artemis cult occurs in the Mithridates period due to the ruler’s support of Greek religion. Nevertheless, the continuity of religious traditions took place. A sanctuary devoted allegedly to Artemis-Hecate was built in the Panticapaeum acropolis, close to the Cybele temple. At this time sacral reliefs with Cybele, Hermes and Hecate became popular throughout the state of Bosporus. The monuments reflected a scene of the journey into the underworld, and Hecate perhaps acted as a deity of borders and gatekeeper.