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HISTORY / LORE:

When a natural location (such as a grove, spring or cave) inspires someone with spiritual feelings, it becomes a place where sacrifices are made to the Olympian deities. After several such sacrifices are made at the same location, it becomes a sanctuary. An altar is constructed and the area is marked off with engraved boundary stones or a six foot high stone wall. At the east end is a single entrance with basins of water for worshippers to purify themselves before entering.

In cities, temples are built and are considered to be the home of a god or goddess. In this case, the altar is outside and parts of the temple can only be entered by priests or priestesses. Temples are used to store sacred objects but are never used for congregational worship (worship is outside the temple at the altar). Many temples are built in a sanctuary and dedicated to a deity with a feast, sacrifices and libations.

Temples and sanctuaries usually have their sacred rock, tree, fountain or other natural feature. If the natural feature includes a tree, offerings are sometimes tied to the branches. Temples and sanctuaries both have altars for burnt offerings and libations. Although dedicated to one deity, it is common to have statues and offerings to other deities as well.

Just as the statues are considered symbolic of a deity (rather than being the deity), offerings can also be symbolic (such as picture of objects offered or clay or wax figures of objects). From time to time, the accumulation of worthless symbolic offerings are buried to make room for others. (Archeologists love this.) Tools used for sacrifices are considered sacred and can never be returned to profane use. For the same reason, priests and priestesses don't live in the temple (normal life functions would profane the temple).

Some of the larger temples and sanctuaries had theaters and gymnasia. In most cases, the entrance was oriented so the raising sun would shine in on the holiday of the deity that resides there. Since the deity lives in the sanctuary or temple, anything out of the ordinary nearby is considered a sign from the deity.

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