Metope 36 from the Temple of Hera I, Silaris (Foce del Sele), ca. 530 B.C....
A metope from the Temple of Hera II, Silaris (Foce del Sele), ca. 500 B.C....
A metope from the Temple of Hera II, Silaris (Foce del Sele), ca. 500 B.C....
| Summary: | Sanctuary dedicated to Argive Hera. |
| Type: | Sanctuary |
| Region: | Lucania |
Periods:
Archaic
Classical
Hellenistic
Physical:
Located at the mouth of the Sele river, ca. 10 km north of Paestum, the Heraion was a small sanctuary with a temple of Hera, two monumental altars, a treasury, and surrounding stoas.
Description:
Traditionally said to have been founded by Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, the sanctuary was established by Greek colonists in the 7th century B.C. The Heraion flourished in the Archaic period, but was less active in the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. In the Hellenistic period the site again rose to prominence. During the Roman period the Heraion declined in importance and, following earthquake damage and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, it fell into disuse. In the Christian period it became a quarry for building stone. The location of the sanctuary was forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1934.
Exploration:
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