Oracle of Apollo in Kalkhedon

Abstract

Ancient literary sources, inscriptions, and numismatic evidence, although few, attest to the existence and activities of an oracular center of Apollo in Kalkhedon, starting from the Hellenistic period until the beginning of the 3 rd century AD. This oracle, exhibiting characteristics pertaining to a supraregional domain, was the subject of discussion instigated by the asylia decrees written on two different occasions. Kalkhedon was declared “sacred and inviolable” on behalf of Apollo, who was named with different epithets on each occasion, namely Pythaios and Khresterios. The possibility of there having been two separate Apollo sanctuaries and proposals about the location of the oracle are examined in this article by evaluating the related material, in addition to the supraregional characteristics of the oracle of Apollo in Kalkhedon.