Glenn Maffia
JUST as every summer sees the ‘awakening’ of the indolent hedonistic contingent, so too does the academic investigation of the Temple vicinity begin to shift through its gears in preparation to entice a few more secrets from this magnificent ancient structure.
Unlike the hedonistic mob pursuing the rather spurious gratification of lying prone and supine upon golden sands, idly speaking of nothing at all, save tittle-tattle, the intellectuals whom descend here are in alert work mode. Their aims and intentions fully researched, their aspirations and expectations aroused towards confirming further proofs.
Thunderous affirmation
Personally I have been in a writing mood of excited frenzy throughout the winter and spring months; planning a second book upon yet another almost untouched subject, conversing and corresponding with authorities on this subject, hours of researching obscure papers from the archives of museums and, most importantly, testing the reaction to a book on this subject and asking if this would add to existing knowledge?
Fortunately, the answer to that question was a thunderous affirmation.
Therefore, I also am prepared for another hectic schedule and the hugely enjoyable anticipation of accomplishing something worthwhile which adds just a little more to our collective knowledge.
Sounds rather more inspiring than idling away one’s life upon a beach…but each to their own!
Immersed in motivation
I have already played host to one archaeologist this year (I am not an archaeologist, I am an art historian).
Those 10 days flew past as we visited obscure, though important, sites linked to the Temple, was introduced to architectural finds from the second temple in Didyma (Temple of Artemis?), and correlated those finds to other specific structures within the area.
Finally, but certainly not least, spoke at length about the precise measurements made by the first modern archaeological survey of the Temple, undertaken under the auspices of Theodore Wiegand; as their preciseness is a crucial ingredient to proving the theory of the new book.
Soon to arrive shall be my publisher, closely followed by the co-writer of this new book. This shall prove to be an influential few days, no doubt full of activity as these meetings always are, though a solid framework for the writing shall undoubtedly be established.
We have received the extraordinarily pleasing news that this project shall have the support of an esteemed establishment which should allow us to fully investigate our theory. Now all it requires is the guts, sweat and grime of getting fully immersed into the solid work that confronts us. Never a problem when one has the motivation.
For the future
Therefore, once again another year of investigation will bloom before us as the weeks and months shall, hopefully, bring forth the revelation of some more of the Temple’s most intimate secrets. That is truly the most inspiring element within ancient Didyma; it always has further secrets to tease out.
Finally, in September another archaeologist friend will be arriving in Didim. I have known this person for a number of years now, but only through much correspondence, we have never actually met face to face.
I am ecstatically pleased about this meeting for the influence and guidance received from this kind soul has shaped many of my ways of thinking about not only the Temple and its immediate environment but about the external relations with other ancient sites.
The unifying element which links all of the people mentioned above is the emotive affection for ancient Didyma. That comes across with extreme clarity, as does the concerns surrounding the artifacts, as the concrete closes in upon the ‘protected area’ and the immediate environment continues to be ever more commercialised to sate the hunger for money.
Cash cannot buy one the uniqueness of ancient history and all the stories that it can tell us. This jaundiced view is now broaching upon negligence and, surely, must be addressed by those in some position of authority and without a vested interest.