Altar Of Zeus
In the Iliad, Homer mentions that the Gods lived on Mount Ida and that they watched and led the Trojan War from here. It is also mentioned in this epic that Zeus, the God of Gods, also lived here and watched and ruled the war. Researchers working in the region also think that this high place, built on a hill overlooking the sea and Edremit Bay, belongs to the chief god Zeus.
The area defined as Zeus Altar on Dede Tepe was created by processing the rock mass. This rock mass is accessed by a ladder consisting of steps carved into the rock. There are altar niches, sitting platforms and a hollowed-out cistern space. This cistern, which is the size of a room under the altar and contains water, is called the Cave of Zeus. Right next to the ancient altar, there is the tomb of Erdem Dede, who participated in the Dardanelles Wars.
In this state, Zeus Altar and its surroundings continue to be a sanctuary today.
