The Factors that affected the selection of cult places in Ionia

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study is to analyse the location of some Ionic sanctuaries and their cult formations in regard to the hypothesis emphasizing that, the sanctity of those cult places was not derived from the architectural outline, but from the site they occupy. The work also underlines how the religion was intermingled with the public life and how the fine line between the sacred and the secular concepts was obscure, while stressing the regional differences of cult place formations as a result of unconventional nature of paganism. The discussion included the major Ionian temeni, while the chosen sanctuaries' setting and their relation with the settlement, the topography and cultic characteristics were investigated in two subsidiary headings divided in regard to their urban or rural nature. In that order, it is decided that, the location of the sanctuaries within the urban contexts is related to the development of public life and the alteration in administrative patterns, and the cult formations are preferably dedicated to those divinities, who embody the values, related to the Hellenic poleis, while locating their temples at prominent settings of higher elevations as if for underlining their secluded character. On the other hand, the extra-urban temeni are considered as places of transition between the ruthless nature and the civilized man; in another point, they further function as spots for marking the territory claimed by the polis. At the same time, they can be also considered as secure zones that enable ease of communication between the other communities sharing the same region. Key Words: Ionia, Cult Places, Temenos, Orientation, Temples