The Argive Heraion

myminifactory

The sanctuary of Hera lies on a low hill between Argos and Mycenae, a site of great age and significance as a cult centre. The first temple dedicated to Hera was built in the 7th century BC, likely replacing an earlier oecus or small temple, as evidenced by a clay model dating from the early 7th century BC discovered during excavation (Collection of Vases, Room 52, inv. no. 15471). The 7th-century temple was destroyed and rebuilt around 420-410 BC by the architect Eupolemos of Argos, who constructed a new Doric peripteral temple in honor of the goddess on a lower terrace than its predecessor. Remaining are the foundations of the 5th-century temple, along with parts of its superstructure and lavish sculptural decorations. On the east pediment, the birth of Zeus was depicted, while the metopes of this side featured Gigantomachy. The west side of the temple showcased themes from the Trojan War cycle, including a depiction of the Sack of Troy on the west pediment, with Palladion clutched in Cassandra's arms as she supplicated the goddess (inv. no. 3869). The metopes of this side depicted the Trojan Amazonomachy (inv. nos. 1572-1574, 3500, 4070). Several pieces of the sima are preserved from the superstructure of the temple (inv. nos. 1579-1583, 3973-3975, 3979A and 4400-4404), including water-spouts in the form of lion's heads, relief palmettes, tendrils and cuckoos, the bird sacred to Hera. The colossal gold and ivory cult statue of Hera inside the temple was crafted by the renowned Argive sculptor Polykleitos. Its form is known from depictions on coins issued in the 2nd century AD and the description by travel-writer Pausanias.