The Sanctuary of Despotiko in the Cyclades. Excavations 2001–2012

Abstract

The sanctuary of Despotiko lies at the ›Mandra‹ site, on an uninhabited island situated to the southwest of Antiparos, in the centre of the Cyclades. The central part comprises the North Temenos and the South complex. Outside at least six other structures were traced. The North Temenos, protected by a peribolos, was the center of the cult activity. It is formed by Buildings A, Δ, Ε, ›stoas‹ and two entrances. In the centre lies a semicircular altar. The North Part of Building A was the ›temple‹ of the sanctuary, the South Part perhaps served for banqueting. Buildings Δ and E served cultic purposes as well. The South Complex consisted of the Building units Ι and Θ, the last including a room tentatively identified as a cultic bath. Rich archaeological finds attest the function of the sanctuary from 8th cent. B.C. to the Hellenistic period – and the main deity, Apollon. The building activity was restricted to the 6th and 5th cent. B.C.