Archaeologists have made an intriguing discovery in the temple of the goddess of witchcraft and spirits, leaving them astonished.

In a 3,000-year-old temple complex located in southwestern Turkey, archaeologists made an unexpected discovery that sheds light on ancient religious practices. The find, situated in the historic town of Lagina in Muğla Province, offers insights into how early societies revered deities and conducted intricate rituals in their honor, writes Heritage Daily.

At the heart of this discovery lies the worship of Hecate, a goddess who played a central role in the spiritual life of Lagina. Known for her associations with magic, the home, and crossroads, Hecate held a special place in the beliefs of the ancient Greeks. Archaeologists uncovered an image of the goddess during their research in Lagina, a sanctuary historically linked to the polis of Stratonikeia.

The seasonal pilgrimages that once occurred between these two sites demonstrate the cultural and religious significance of this practice. A key feature of these rituals was the ceremony known as "Carrying of the Keys," during which young girls symbolically opened the temple gates to mark the beginning of the celebrations.

The iconography of Hecate reveals her multifaceted role in mythology. She is typically depicted with torches, a key, or accompanied by animals such as dogs, embodying the connection between the underworld, earth, and sky.

Over time, representations of Hecate evolved to include her three-bodied form, reflecting her dominion over these realms. Additionally, she shared her role as a protector of the household with deities such as Zeus, Hestia, and Apollo, highlighting her significant role in ancient worship.

The excavations are part of the "Heritage for the Future" project, aimed at preserving and studying the historical monuments of the region. Professor Dr. Bilal Soğut, the lead researcher of the project, noted the discovery of unique architectural elements, including a Corinthian column capital from the 2nd century AD.

"The torch motif associated with Hecate provides a deeper understanding of her cult practices," the researcher remarked.

Current efforts are focused on identifying the sacred road once used by pilgrims, deepening both historical knowledge and the potential of this site as a tourist destination.

These findings underscore the enduring significance of Hecate in ancient traditions and highlight the need for archaeological efforts aimed at preserving and interpreting our shared heritage.

We also reported on a unique find by a metal detectorist from South Wales. After two years of fruitless searching with a metal detector, the man discovered his first gold, which has already been declared a treasure.