Article Abstract:
Construction of the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone outside the walls of the ancient Greek city Cyrene was begun around 610 BC about a generation after the founding of the city. Its architecture followed many of the features found in other Demeter sanctuaries including a system of terraces and retaining walls protected by outer walls. Inside were independent shrine houses, votive dumps, and storage rooms often fronted by columned entrances and tiled in mosaic. The sanctuary was badly damaged by an earthquake in 262 AD and destroyed by another in 365 AD.
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Article Abstract:
Use of the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone at Cyrene fell off in the third century before it was damaged by an earthquake in 262 AD. It was destroyed by a temblor in 365 AD. The site of the ruined temple lay unprotected during the 3rd and 4th centuries and statuary and other objects were destroyed by anti-paganists. Of over 350 statuettes and statues found only one was found with its head intact. The destruction was probably the work of early Christians who felt that destroying and mutilating the statue could destroy or harm its associated pagan spirit.
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Article Abstract:
A large number of terracotta figurines were found during the excavation of the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone at Cyrene, and these shed considerable light on the history of religious expression, commerce and social change in Cyrenaica. Early figurines are found intact while later ones are found without heads. This represents a change in ritual cult practices. The distinctive clay of the figurines and their typologies suggest that Cyrene was a center of vigorous trade with wide ties to the Greek world.
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