DESCRIPTION:

On the acropolis, the earliest indications of a sanctuary date back to the Archaic and Classical periods (8th - 4th century BC), although forming a clear picture of the sanctuary from these early phases remains challenging due to its long period of use. The most monumental and significant discoveries from this period are the two monolithic stone vases that were placed at the entrance of the sanctuary. One vase, fully preserved, is exhibited at the Louvre, while the other remains on site but survives in fragments.

In the southwest area of the acropolis, a complex was discovered that originally dates back to the Hellenistic period (4th-1st century BC). From its original form, the thresholds of two rooms which likely led to a stoa, have been preserved. The evidence suggests that the complex served as a "hestiatorion," a place for the meal following a sacrifice.

The temple of the Roman period dates back to the end of the 1st century. It consists of the pronaos and the cella, with a wall separating the adyton. The temple was enclosed on three sides by walls rather than colonnades, except for the façade, which featured four columns. The distance between the two central columns is wider, and a small staircase leads to the entrance. The finds suggest a façade with an entablature and pediment, without decoration. During this period, a small 'temple' was constructed located to the east of the main sanctuary. While its use as a temple is not certain, it is a well-constructed building with a simple architectural style. Surviving elements from the façade include part of the pediment and a decorated section of the cornice.

The goddess of Amathous, Aphrodite, is depicted in various forms. Sometimes Aphrodite shares similarities with the Egyptian goddess Hathor. Other times she is represented as Astarte, the deity of the eastern Mediterranean.

The most radical changes to the Acropolis occurred in the 6th-7th century AD. Christianity had become the official religion of the island, and as a result, the sanctuary was replaced by a large basilica, marking the end of the ancient religion.