Sanctuary of Bendis

The Thracian lunar goddess of the hunt, Bendis, is depicted as a huntress carrying a spear. She is very closely linked with the Greek goddess Artemis, and the two are almost uncannily similar in many regards. Unlike Artemis, however, Bendis is often depicted being followed by Satyrs and Maenads, which implies a more celebratory personification than her Greek counterpart. Bendis became popular in Greece after Thracian immigrants to Athens gained permission to construct a temple in the Attica district. This culminated in an official festival known as Bendideia, held annually on the 6th and 7th of the Greek month of Thargelion (around late May). Plato speaks of this ceremony in 'Republic', making mention of torch races on horseback through the night and a solemn procession of both Athenians and Thracians to the temple of Bendis. Steles from the era often show Bendis receiving gifts from worshippers, or offering gifts in turn to her twin brother, Apollo.