A symbol of a temple in Hellenistic Greek mythology

A symbol of a temple in Hellenistic 

Greek mythology

An ancient sacred site famous for its colossal sculptures from the 2nd century BC the Temple of Despoina was built in dedication to Despoina the mysterious goddess of the underworld. She was revered more than any other goddess by the locals and is associated with Demeter the goddess of fertility. The temple features a large altar with tiered seating lower walls made of limestone and upper walls of terracotta. Built in the Doric architectural style it is divided into a pronaos front hall and a main sanctuary.

The Temple of Despoina or the Temple of the Mistress is located in the ancient city of Lykosoura in the Arcadia region of Greece.

The cult worship at this sacred site centered on Despoina meaning "Mistress" who was worshipped alongside her mother Demeter Artemis and the Titan Anitos. Inside the temple was once a colossal marble sculpture by Damophon depicting Despoina and her mother Demeter seated on a throne. Flanked by sculptures of gods including the Titan Artemis and Anitos stands a prominent figure in a Hellenistic sacred site considered one of the oldest cities in the world and a site of lasting importance until the Roman era.

The Temple of Demeter and Kore located in the Agora district of Cyrene Libya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The statues believed to be of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Kore Persephone date back to the 3rd century BC.

Damophon of Messene an ancient Greek sculptor created marble sculptures of gods and goddesses in the Peloponnese region during the 2nd century BC. He was also commissioned to restore the statue of Zeus at Olympia one of the Seven Wonders of the World built by Phidias after it was damaged by an earthquake. The Temple of Despoina may have been built out of righteousness and historical significance in the region and to worship Despoina the goddess of mystery and Demeter in Greek mythology.