Claros: Sacred oracle of Anatolia reveals secrets of ancient world

Nestled within the serene boundaries of Izmir’s Menderes District lies Claros, one of Ionia’s most sacred sites and the earliest known oracle center of antiquity. Claros’ mystique unfolds in the lush Ahmetbeyli Valley (ancient Ales), a strategic crossroads connecting Smyrna and Ephesus.

This remarkable sanctuary, steeped in myth and history, served as a place where the elite of the ancient world sought to unravel the mysteries of the future.

Walking through Claros’ ruins, I was accompanied by Associate Professor Onur Zunal, the excavation director and a distinguished scholar from Ege University’s Faculty of Literature. His insights breathed life into the layers of history we uncovered, connecting us with the ancient stories etched into the stones of this enigmatic site.

Journey through time: Archaeology of Claros

Claros has been the subject of fascination and research for nearly two centuries. Initial inquiries began in 1826 with V. J. Arundell, but it wasn’t until 1886 that systematic studies commenced under C. Schuchhardt. Misinterpreting its location, Schuchhardt identified the sanctuary with the Demirli Cave across the valley. It was Theodor Macridy who, in 1907, first unearthed evidence of the sacred area. Collaborating with Charles Picard in 1913, Macridy uncovered key structures such as the Hellenistic Propylon and the grand exedra, marking the first scientific excavations at Claros.

Subsequent explorations in the 1950s and 1960s, led by Louis and Jeanne Robert alongside Roland Martin, yielded extraordinary finds, including the Hellenistic Apollo Klarios Temple and monumental cult statues of Apollo, Artemis, and Leto. Excavations resumed decades later under Juliette de La Geniere (1988–1998), followed by Nuran Sahin’s leadership from 2001 to 2019. The most recent excavations, since 2020, have been conducted under Selcuk Ephesus Museum’s director Cengiz Topal, with scientific guidance from Zunal.

Claros in myth and legend

According to ancient texts and archaeological findings, Claros was established in the 13th century B.C. The first settlers, led by Rhakios, arrived from Crete and encountered the native Karian people. Pausanias’ writings recount a second wave of migration from Greece, comprising exiled Thebans, including the prophet Teiresias and his daughter Manto. Following Apollo’s divine command, Manto founded the oracle at Claros, and her union with Rhakios solidified a strategic alliance against the Karians.

The sanctuary’s fame reached its zenith under Manto’s son, Mopsos, a figure both mythical and historical, who lived between 1220 and 1170 B.C. Known as the founder of cities like Hierapolis and Perge, Mopsos solidified Claros’ reputation as a center of prophecy. Interestingly, the transition from matrilineal to patrilineal prophetic traditions is evident in this era, reflecting broader social transformations.

Timeless echoes of prophecy

Claros remained a sacred site for nearly two millennia, from the 13th century B.C. to the seventh century A.D. Even after the official adoption of Christianity in 380 A.D., the site retained its spiritual significance. Recent studies have uncovered evidence of continued rituals at Claros during the early Christian period, suggesting that its sacred function persisted long after the classical pagan era.

As we explored the sanctuary, Zunal shared a fascinating perspective: “It would be inaccurate to say that the city was completely abandoned in the 7th century. Records and findings suggest that worshippers, including those from abroad, continue to come with excitement to visit the site even in the present day.”

Walking through ruins of Claros

As we continued our exploration of Claros, the remains of the Apollo Klarios Temple and the Hellenistic Propylon offered a glimpse into the grandeur of this once-thriving sanctuary. The site, with its well-preserved ruins, serves as a testament to the significance of Claros as an ancient oracle center.

The atmosphere was serene, and one could easily imagine the generations of people who had visited this sacred place in search of guidance from the divine.

Claros’ historical importance is evident in its archaeological findings. The sanctuary’s structure, with its intricate columns and monumental exedra, reflects the high status of those who sought answers here.

Walking through the site, it was clear that Claros wasn’t just a place for prophecy; it was a center of social and cultural exchange, drawing people from across the ancient world.

In recent years, the site has undergone significant excavation and restoration efforts. Led by Associate Professor Onur Zunal, these efforts aim to uncover more of Claros’ hidden history and preserve it for future generations.