Unearthing Labraunda: The Sacred Mountain Sanctuary of Ancient Caria Revealed

Ongoing archaeological and restoration efforts at the ancient city of Labraunda, located in the Milas district of Muğla, Türkiye, are breathing new life into one of Caria’s most sacred religious centers. Supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Heritage for the Future initiative, the project focuses on uncovering monumental terrace walls, ceremonial gates, and a series of seven sacred chambers near the main entrance.

Project coordinator Prof. Dr. Bilal Söğüt explains the vision behind the work:

“We want visitors to experience the grandeur of this sanctuary as it once stood—to walk through the same monumental gates and feel the spiritual presence that made Labraunda a vital Carian religious center.”

A Sanctuary on the Mountain: The Cult of Zeus Labraundos

According to ancient sources such as Herodotus and Strabo, Labraunda was a significant sanctuary dedicated to Zeus Labraundos, the axe-bearing god worshipped in Caria. Perched high in the Latmos Mountains at over 700 meters altitude, the site was more than just a city—it was a holy place set apart from the urban world below.

Excavations reveal a sophisticated system of terraced architecture, allowing for the construction of temples, stoas (colonnaded halls), guest quarters, and ceremonial paths on steep, rocky terrain. These terraces reflect a high level of ancient engineering skill and spiritual symbolism.

Mausolos and the Hekatomnid Legacy

Labraunda flourished particularly under the rule of Mausolos, the satrap of Caria in the 4th century BCE, whose family, the Hekatomnids, played a critical role in reshaping the sanctuary. Mausolos’ brother Idrieus commissioned the reconstruction of major monuments, including the Temple of Zeus and the sacred entrance structures, embedding political legitimacy within religious architecture.

These renovations combined local Carian traditions with Persian and Hellenistic elements, highlighting Labraunda’s unique role as both a spiritual and political landmark.

Modern Excavations and Authentic Restoration

Over the past two years, the excavation team has been meticulously working to restore original structures using ancient building blocks uncovered during the digs. Prof. Söğüt notes that these blocks are being reassembled in situ, staying faithful to their original positions.

This careful reconstruction approach allows visitors to engage with the space as ancient pilgrims might have, walking among temples and chambers in a setting that mirrors its past grandeur.

Why Labraunda Matters

• Contains rare inscriptions in the Carian language.
• Exemplifies early large-scale terrace architecture.
• Maintained its sacred status through the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
• One of the few known sanctuaries to serve both religious and political functions.

Looking Ahead: A Cultural and Touristic Revival

With backing from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the restoration aims to make Labraunda more accessible and visually coherent, without compromising its archaeological integrity. According to Prof. Söğüt, such initiatives help transform archaeological data into a living heritage experience for both scholars and the public.

Cover Image Credit. Durmuş Genç/AA