- Giovanna Bagnasco Gianni –
religious landscape of these early phases of the southern area of the sanctuary, open to
the south, is characterized by the presence of arrangements for the production of copper
and iron around the naiskos (small temple) of Aphrodite. Such activities recall both her
union with Hephaestus^23 and probably the presence of the Etruscan counterpart famous
for its metallurgical skills.^24 Therefore the social structure seems to be modest, formed
by subaltern intermediaries, enrolled by outstanding groups (tribal/familial groups) from
Ionia and Aegina, who probably worked together with small groups of local artisans, as a
few Etruscan votive inscriptions declare.^25
The fi rst phase (580–550 bc)The southern area of the sanctuary recalls a Phocaean presence. A sacellum devoted to
Aphrodite, with adyton and entrance open to the west, was built; among the votive
offerings, an impressive bronze statuette of Aphrodite promachos (Fig. 29.20) confi rms her
cult in connection with the inscriptions bearing her name that were found in the upper
levels.
The second phase (550–530 bc)A consistent number of Samian worshipers probably introduced the cult of Hera in the
east side of the shrine and addressed to her a number of votive inscriptions. The previous
sacellum was transformed into a megaron fl anked by a temenos, a well and a porch whose
north/west corner was marked by the offering of an Attic lebes (cauldron) containing coral.
Since coral is such a material part of the cult practices of Adonis, well documented in
the later phases of the sanctuary, it is possible to argue that he was worshiped also in this
earlier phase.^26 Recent excavations north-west of the previous southern shrines exposed a
swampy zone, that was later built up and supplied with canals. The earliest chronology
reached so far is the second half of the sixth century bc, when two cultic spots, formed by
strata of cinders mixed with animal bones (escharai), were deposited.^27
Figure 29.20 Gravisca, sanctuary, Aphrodite promachos from the southern area.
Fiorini and Torelli 2010: 31, Fig. 4.