Lycosura

Lycosura

Λυκόσουρα
View SE toward the Temple of Despoina at Lycosoura.
Shown within Greece
Alternate name	Lykosoura, Lycosoura
Location	Arcadia, Greece
Coordinates	37°23′23″N 22°01′52″E / 37.38972°N 22.03111°E / 37.38972; 22.03111Coordinates: 37°23′23″N 22°01′52″E / 37.38972°N 22.03111°E / 37.38972; 22.03111
Type	Settlement
History
Periods	Hellenistic to Roman Imperial
Satellite of	Megalopolis
Site notes
Management	5th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities
Public access	Yes
Website	Sanctuary of Despoina at Lykosoura

Lycosura (Ancient Greek: Λυκόσουρα Lykosoura also Latin: Lycosoura) was a city of Arcadia said by Pausanias to be the oldest city in the world, though there is no evidence for its existence before the fourth century BCE. Its current significance is chiefly associated with the sanctuary of the goddess Despoina, which contained a colossal sculptural group perhaps made by Damophon of Messene; this group comprises acrolithic-technique statues of Despoina and Demeter seated on a throne, with statues of Artemis and the Titan Anytos standing on either side of them - all in Pentelic marble. The dates of both the temple and the sculptural group have occasioned some dispute. Remains of a stoa, altars and other structures have also been found. The Sanctuary of Despoina at Lycosoura is located 9 km WSW of Megalopolis, 6.9 km SSE of Mount Lykaion, and 160 km SW of Athens. There is a small museum at the archaeological site housing small finds as well as part of the cult group, while the remains of the cult statues of Despoina and Demeter are displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

The chthonic goddess worshiped by the Arcadians under the title Despoina (Δέσποινα: the Mistress), later conflated with Kore, was originally considered to be the daughter of Poseidon Hippios and Demeter, rather than of Zeus and Demeter as was Kore. Her real name could not be revealed to anyone except those initiated to her mysteries at Lycosura; this name is consequently unknown.