THE SANCTUARY OF NYMPHS (NYMPHEUM) IN APOLLONIA IN EPIRUS

Abstract

The presented article, dedicated to the sanctuary of the nymphs (Nymphaeum) in Apollonia in Epirus, has never been the subject of research by domestic scientists The diverse and rich nature of Epirus, an area in northwestern Greece, teeming with impassable mountains, spurting springs from underground, mysterious caves, seemed mysterious to the Greeks . It is no accident that already in antiquity about a dozen different sanctuaries and oracles arose here dedicated to various characters of the ancient Greek pantheon - Zeus, Dion, Apollon, Asclepius, etc., the most famous of which was the sanctuary of Zeus in Dodona. The city of Apollonia, founded by the Corinthians, was not an exception in this sense, where there was a sanctuary of nymphs known as Nymphaeum. The cult of nymphs was widespread both in Ancient Greece itself and in the colonies founded by its inhabitants, a striking example of which is the city of Nymphaeum, located near Panticapaeum. The cult of nymphs personified not only the diverse forces of nature, but represented a certain feminine principle. According to the latest archaeological research, it was proved that the sanctuary was inside the city walls. One of the reliable facts testifying to the functioning of the sanctuary was the Nymphaeum games, in which athletes from all over Greece participated and the victory in which was considered significant and honorable. Without the importance of a political center, the nymph sanctuary retained its religious signiicance even during the reign of the Roman Empire.