The Orientation of Smintheion in Troad and its Connection to Apollonian Myths

The present research measures the orientation of the Hellenistic temple of Apollo Smintheus in Troad, and notices it aligns with the rising points of Vega and Deneb (in the constellations of Lyra and Cygnus) and commands a superb view of the Hydra-Crater-Corvus constellation group. The animals and objects presented in these asterisms appear in Apollo’s fables, which may explain this choice of orientation. In addition, the timing of events depicted in these myths are compatible with the appearance and disappearance of the relevant asterisms in the sky. This connection is also seen in other Apollo temples in Asia Minor, indicating a wider dissemination of this astronomical symbolism.