The Sanctuary of Smintheion is located in the southwest of the Troad Region, at the westernmost tip of the Asian continent. The sanctuary is known for the Temple of Apollo Smintheus and was one of the most important sanctuaries of the Late Hellenistic Period in Anatolia. The god Apollo is referred to as 'Smintheus' in this region due to his association with mice. The deity worshipped in this region as Apollo Smintheus, which translates to 'lord of mice'. The Temple of Apollo Smintheus is notable for its architectural design, style, and reliefs inspired by Homer's Iliad. It was constructed in the Ionian style with a pseudodipteral plan, making it the sole example in the Troas Region. The renowned Hellenistic Age architect Hermogenes designed it around 150 B.C. Along with the Temple of Apollo Smintheus, which serves as the primary place of worship in the Smintheion Sanctuary, there are various other structures. The site features various structures, such as an altar for making sacrifices and offerings to the gods, a bridge constructed to accommodate visitors who came to worship and visit, a sacred road, Roman baths for ritual cleansing and bathing, water channels, and water tanks created to supply these baths, streets adorned with statues and inscriptions, Heroon, and villas.
APOLLON SMINTHEION ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
