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Greece, Lesbos, Messa: The pan-Lesbian sanctuary of Messa, Lesbos (probably of Aphrodite).
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The pan-Lesbian sanctuary of Messon, at the center of the island, was established in early historic times and served as the seat of the Lesbian Koinon (Commonwealth). The temple had eight columns on the short sides and 14 on the long sides. Most of the temple was built of white volcanic rock. Marble was selectively used for the decorative elements. The cella walls were made of reddish volcanic rock. The temple was probably destroyed by an earthquake in the 3rd or 4th century A.D. Seven kilns from that period were found in the area. Architectural members of the temple were used to build the kilns, which were then probably used to burn other parts of the temple for lime production.
Photo by Tedmek 20 Jun 2010, released to Public Domain. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lesbos_Messa01.JPG
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