Labrys and Ears on the Orthostat Block in the Southern Cella Wall of Zeus Lepsynos Temple at Euromos: An Iconographic Approach

Authors : Abuzer Kızıl

Pages : 1-25

View : 115 | Download : 102

Publication Date : 2025-04-08

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :A depiction of a labrys is flanked with an ear motif on either side within tabula ansata on an external orthostat block on the southern cella wall of the Zeus Lepsynos Temple at Euromos in Caria. Although labrys, i.e., double-axe motif is encountered across a vast geography in Antiquity, it is known that this sacred symbol was identified with Zeus especially in Caria. Nevertheless, Zeus of Euromos holds a labrys in one hand and a scepter in the other. This article aims to attain a plausible conclusion through comparison with similar examples and iconographic interpretation of labrys symbol executed together with ear motifs. While attempting such a study, the difference in organs executed for health from the cultic organs, such as the eye or ear of the deity, is also addressed.
Keywords : Euromos, Zeus Lepsynos Tapınağı, Tabula Ansata, Labrys, Kulaklar, Kült