DESPOTIKO Mandra - 2007

Despotiko. Mandra. I. Kouragios (ΚΑ' ΕΠΚΑ) reports the discovery of a further 3 buildings (making a total of 10 plus a walled complex of 2 structures) in the Sanctuary of Artemis and Apollo previously noted. The first inscribed Ar pithos was discovered in 2007 (ΑΣΤΕΟΝΕΙΜ). Inscriptions to ΑΡΧΗΜΕ or ΑΡΤΗΜΕ are also noted, in addition to those to Apollo. Cult began in the Geo period and reached a peak in the Ar before a catastrophic destruction in Cl times (spolia were reused in LCl and Hel structures). Ar architectural remains include parts of 2 gorgon acroteria, 2 column capitals, an echinus and part of the stylobate of the Doric temple. A Daedalic statue of a female deity (ca. 680−660 BC) is thought to be the cult image. The sanctuary continued into the Rom period: a small settlement here was established in L Antiquity/Med. A probable round tower on the peninsula before the sanctuary may control the entrance to the harbour of Despotiko.