Cybele Altar Sardis, Turkey
An ancient altar from the time of the Lydian King Croesus (6th cent. BC), the Altar of Cybele (the Mother Goddess) is located next to the gold refineries and features two crouching lions.
Overview
The Altar of Cybele at Sardis dates from the late 7th century to mid-6th century, BC, during the time of King Alyattes and his son Croesus. Cybele was the ancient Anatolian Mother Goddess who was worshipped throughout this region.
The altar faces east in the center of the Sardis archaeological site, next to an area used for refining gold panned from the river. It is flanked by crouching lions, the animals sacred to Cybele - these have been reconstructed by archaeologists.