Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore
This site could well be the most important sanctuary of Corinth and one of the largest ones in the Hellenic territory. In its initial phase, the sanctuary area was divided by a road leading to forty (40) dining areas dating back to the archaic – classical period and placed on each side of that road. Initially, the area of the sanctuary included a courtyard with a small temple (oikos) at one end and an elevated terrace with a sacrificial altar on the other side. During its next phase, which dates from around the 4th c. B.C., the area was rearranged.
Access was now through a Doric propylon, the temple was moved to a promontory on the rock, and a small theater was added, able to host around one hundred (100) spectators. A stoa was built at the place of the older temple. The sanctuary ceased to be used after 146 B.C. The area began to be reused towards the late 1st c. B.C. In the 1st c. A.D. the dining areas and the steps were covered, the propylon was broadened and three small Ionic temples were built.
The temple in the center bore a mosaic floor. One of the restauration areas under the propylon was turned into a roman cult building, where katadesmoi (curses) were dedicated. The sanctuary was abandoned towards the late 4th c. A.D., and from the 6th c. A.D., part of it was occupied by a cemetery with tile-covered and built cist graves.
