Sanctuary of Athena Chalkioikos

The temple of Athena Chalkioikos at the top of the Acropolis of ancient Sparta is defined more by certain indications from excavation rather than by their architectural remains. It is the work of Bathycles (6th century BC), a sculptor from Magnesia. His greatest work was the throne of the temple of Apollo at Amyklai in Laconia, where the colossal statue of the god was constructed.

Athena Chalkioikos was the patron goddess of ancient Sparta. The temple of Athena Chalkioikos was one of the most important sanctuaries in Sparta and functioned from the 8th century BC until the 2nd century AD. Excavations brought few, mostly insignificant finds to light because the temple had already been plundered in the past.

According to Pausanias, the temple was founded by Tyndareus and his sons, but it remained incomplete until the Spartan architect, sculptor, and poet Gitiadas entirely covered the temple with bronze or brass reliefs of mythological content around the mid-6th century BC. He also sculpted a bronze or wooden statue of the goddess and wrote a hymn in her honor.

Pausanias mentions the temple in conjunction with tripods and statues that were set up. However, the details he provides contain anachronisms and are interpreted only after corrections by modern historians. Archaeological research revealed two levels of ruins, one from the early geometric period and another from the classical period. Finds also include many bronze nails and bronze plates, which likely covered parts of the temple but not the entire structure.

The temple was located at the highest point of the area, on the acropolis north of the city of Sparta. This temple served as an asylum, to which many members of high society often sought refuge. Pausanias took refuge there, victorious in Plataea, after his second trial, to avoid arrest. Even Leonidas sought refuge there in 242 BC when he was slandered after the radical renovations he brought about.