adyton

adyton Adytum Adyta

A separately defined space inside or at the back of the cella; it was the innermost sanctuary of some temples. Entrance to the adyton was generally gained by a doorway from the cella; in some instances, however, the adyton is provided with a direct communication to the exterior. Access to this most sacred room was probably limited to priests or priestesses since the adyton served as a treasury, depository of holy objects or oracle chamber.

Adyta are especially characteristic of temples built in Magna Graecia and temples of Apollo or other oracular cults. In temples with adyta there is often no opisthodomos; when both are present, the proportions of the temple are necessarily elongated.

• cella
• opisthodomos