Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, Ancient Greek temple in Sparta, Greece
The sanctuary sits east of the ancient Spartan acropolis near the Eurotas River and preserves the remains of a temple with altars and ritual structures. The ruins reveal how the place was organized and what role it played in religious practice.
The site served as a sanctuary from the 8th century BC onward and remained a religious center across many generations. The evidence shows it held importance even under Roman rule.
The sanctuary was dedicated to the goddess and attracted people who came to make offerings and pray. The remains suggest that this was a place where devotion took many forms over centuries.
Visitors can freely explore the grounds and view the temple remains from different angles. The best time to visit is during cooler months, as the site offers little shade.
The site is known for extreme initiation ceremonies where young Spartans had to endure physical trials. These practices reveal how important physical toughness was in Spartan culture.
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