No abstract

No abstract

Yannos Kourayos and Bryan Burns Exploration of the archaic sanctuary at Mandra on the island of Despotiko p. 133-174 The results are presented of the archaeological excavation at the site of Mandra on Despotiko, an uninhabited island west of Paros and Antiparos. Initial investigations of surface material led to a full scale excavation centring on Building A, a large structure consisting of five parallel rooms, which may have been a hestiatorion. The general status of the site as a sanctuary is confirmed by numerous votive finds. The majority of artefacts recovered thus far date to the Archaic period, including sculptural fragments, imported ceramics, and a wide range of metal objects and small finds. Architectural members, most of which were rebuilt into later structures, indicate the presence of several other Doric buildings on the site, and a long stone wall encloses a large area east of Building A. The name Apollo inscribed on sherds suggests that this sanctuary was dedicated to the god. The feminine nature of many ex-votos and the presence of several Delian sanctuaries throughout the Cyclades, however, may indicate that Artemis was also worshipped there.