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A morphological approach to ancient temples with secondary entrances (Doctoral thesis)

Νακάσης, Άγγελος/ Nakasis, Angelos

This thesis deals with the secondary entrances in ancient temples, where there is a worship of: a) the oracular gods (prophecy has a chthonic nature) Apollo and Zeus , who were often worshiped together with Artemis - Leto, Hera - Athena - Eileithyia,b) chthonic divinities or heroes: Kabeiroi, Amphiaraos, Voutis, Hippolytus, Myiagros, c) gods who have both chthonic and non-chthonic features: Demeter, Persephone, Hermes, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Ares. Additional activities (practical ones, lighting, etc.) may also dictate the existence of secondary entrances.Normally there were no secondary doors in accordance with the prevailing priesthood’s point of view that no architectural deviations should be applied. However, when found, secondary entrances usually belong to Doric temples – and especially those in the Peloponnese, where exists a density of temples; almost all kinds of innovations began in mainland Greece. Furthermore the practical spirit of the Dorians incorporated new elements more easily, a practice that carried on until the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Temples that do not follow the traditional one-entrance pattern correspond to a certain percentage of all the known temples, this being also the case for those temples which are restored as being one-entrance temple, but without having any substantial evidence. This is the case of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, which had been restored with a single entrance, whereas new investigations have shown that it had two secondary doors.Secondary entrances are usually located between the middle and the end of the long side of the cella; they are often associated with rituals and processions. Benches, theaters of theatrical formations and natural slopes were used in sanctuaries for audiences to sit and watch ceremonies. Meals were served inside temples (often equipped with benches and hearths which are characteristic of chthonic ceremonies) or in nearby dining premises. The existence of an adyton - abaton also indicates the implementation of oracular or chthonic worship. Within the framework of this thesis the following data are presented for the first time: •44 temples with secondary entrances are recorded in detail and classified, including those which have underground areas or internal entrance doors along the long sides of the cella. Some selected cases of temples from other parts of the world that have been influenced by Greek architecture are also described and examined in relation to this specific architectural feature (Isis at Pompei, Bel at Palmyra, Antas in Sardinia). •A descriptive list of 8 temples that may have secondary entrances (Hera I-at Poseidonia, Pronnoi-Kephallenia, Leto-Delos, Athena-Alifeira, Artemis-Avlis, Athena-Molykreion, Polemocrates-Hellinikon, “Demeter”-Paramythia. •Original architectural plans of 7 temples with secondary entrances (Apollon-Thera, Temple A-Pallantion, Pronnoi-Kephallenia, Parthenos-Gitana, “Demeter”-Paramythia, Ares/Aphrodite-Olous, "Hera Limenia"-Perachora).New data that enrich the research include the following: •Architectural plans of the temple of Asclepius-Messene, which document that it had no side entrance. •Documentation that the temple of Paramythia most probably had a side entrance. •Evidence that the temple in Pronnoi was dedicated to a deity with chthonic character. •Documentation that the secondary entrances of the temples of Aphaia and Bassai had metal fences and doors that could be opened. •The temple of Amphiaraos had a secondary entrance along its west side. •Τhe temple at Gitana was built in three phases.