eTheses Repository - University of Birmingham

A number of clay models found in sanctuaries, such as those from the Temple of Hera Akraia
at Perachora, have been interpreted as miniature representation of temples. At Perachora, this
identification rested largely on similarities between the architecture of the model and the
remains of the temple in which they were found (Schattner 1990, p.208). These can aid
reconstructions of apsidal temples, which like domestic structures were often built of mud
brick on a stone foundation. There are other temple forms, such as those consisting of a
square or rectangular room, but these appear in the main on Crete and in the Cyclades, for
example at the Heraion at Delos (Coldstream 2003, p.321). In some cases a peristyle is also
present as at Ano Mazaraki in Achaia, although Mazarakis Ainian has shown how peristyles
were not confined to religious architecture until the end of the G period (1997, p.279).
4.2.6: Geometric religious and sacred sites in Arkadia
In Arkadia, there are nineteen sites, which have possible evidence of religious activity in the
G period. In the majority of cases, this consists of possible votive deposits in the form of
metal items and/or miniature vessels. At least two have vessels that may suggest religious
activity in the form of ritual drinking and dining, and two have evidence of a structure –
Gortys (71), and the Temple of Athena Alea at Tegea (34). Four have evidence of earlier
activity, whether this is considered religious in nature or not (Orchomenos-Palaiopyrgos (25),
Ptolis-Gortsouli (27), Asea-Ayios Elias (46) and the Temple of Athena Alea at Tegea, and all,
except Nestane-Sangas (Portes) (29), have evidence of later religious activity. Ptolis–
Gortsouli, Asea-Ayios Elias and Psophis-Ayios Petros (64) will be considered fully in their
individual case studies. The rest are outlined briefly below.
Firstly, on Mount Kyllene, between the plains of Pheneos and Stymphalos, is a cave that has
produced proto-Korinthian pottery (and later Korinthian wares), believed to be a Sanctuary of
Hermes (Tausend 1999, p.243). Hermes was a god particularly associated with this mountain
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