Locri Epizefiri and its Cults

Locri Epizefiri (or Epizephyroi) is a Dorian Colony in Magna Graecia (South Italy) near the Capo Zephiro. It was founded in either 679 or 673 BC by East and/or West Locrians from Mainland Greece. The colony worshipped the same Gods as that of its founder state: Athena dominated the Poleis on the Acropolis at Mannelle. Zeus was venerated in a temple at Casa Marafiori.

The colony also adopted the Archaic cults of Aphrodite and Persephone. Two temples were built on the outskirts of the city: Aphrodite (goddess of erotic love) was worshipped by the seashore in an Ionic temple at the Centocamere sanctuary. The ancient practice of sacred prostitution was observed there, with the earnings going toward the upkeep of the temple. Persephone (goddess of the Underworld and of fertility) was worshipped at the other end of the city, on the Mannelle hillside. Numerous decorated pottery items have been found there, including the series of 5th Century BC terracotta plaques depicting various scenes of the passage of a girl to womanhood and marriage. The two temples are separated geographically, but both were central and decisive in the Locrian's religious sphere. They mirror the twofold destiny of women: Aphrodite - Woman in her sterile role, subject to male eroticism. Persephone - Woman considered and protected in her creative and reproductive role. The myths depicted on the Ludovisi and Boston Thrones can be linked to these cults at Locri. The Ludovisi Throne can also be linked stylistically to Locrian Sculpture and to the temple of Aphrodite in particular.

Page constructed and maintained by Melissa M.Terras
Date last modified: 18th April 1997.