The cult of goddess Hekate in Miletus and the Milesian colonies
The cult of goddess Hekate in Miletus and the Milesian colonies

Summary/Abstract: Our aim herein is to discuss the cult of goddess Hekate in Miletus and the Milesian colonies founded on the coast of the Hellespontus, the Sea of Marmara and Pontus Euxinus (the Black Sea). In Miletus,Hekate was an important deity, as recorded by the large number of epicleses under which the goddess was worshiped. Hekate was revered in the sanctuary of Apollo Delphinios of Miletus as the entemenios deity of the latter. Hekate’s presence in the pantheons of the Miletus’s colonies (Abydos, Kardia, Prokonnesos, Cyzicus, Sinope, Apollonia Pontica, Anchialos, Odessos, Tomis, Olbia, Pantikapaion, Gorgippia) may be inferred, with few exceptions, from the epigraphic record of the theophoric anthroponyms deriving from the goddess’s name. At Olbia and Milet, the celebration of Triakades was held in Hekate’s honour, on the thirtieth day of each month. The rituals performed to honour Hekate on the thirtieth day of the month coincided with the honours awarded to the dead.

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