Tokens Used in the Letoon Sanctuary: Society, Religious Ceremonies and Governance in the Light of Tokens


World Heritage Site: Xanthos-Letoon

Publication Year: 2023

Publication Type: Article

Publication Identifier: WHE5037B5808C

Summary

A recent study of 179 fired-clay tokens from the Letoon Sanctuary in Lycia reveals their multifaceted roles in religious ceremonies, governance, and social interactions. These tokens, discovered in 2016–2018 but previously overlooked in excavation reports, suggest diverse uses, including as markers for festivals like Romaia Letoia or agonistic events, and possibly as indicators of governance functions near the theater. Some tokens bear inscriptions or monograms, hinting at symbolic significance beyond mere utility. The research highlights the potential of such artifacts to illuminate understudied aspects of ancient sacred spaces.

Citation

ÖZDİLEK, B. (2023). Tokens Used in the Letoon Sanctuary: Society, Religious Ceremonies and Governance in the Light of Tokens. Cedrus. LOCKSS. https://doi.org/10.13113/cedrus.202404

You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > Publications > Tokens Used in the Letoon Sanctuary: Society, Religious Ceremonies and Governance in the Light of Tokens

This website includes data sources licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Additional original content by World Heritage Explorer, also licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. WHE is not affiliated with UNESCO or the World Heritage Committee. Legal Notice. Privacy Policy.

Open Data for an Open World