OVERVIEW
The Temple of Iroas presides over the North Stadium and serves as its entrance. The two-story temple serves primarily as an administrative building for judges and masters of the sporting events. Externally the building exhibits nothing more than a row of columns on its first floor and a porch in front of the entrance.
The first floor has a main hall between two side wings. In the center of this great hall, halfway between the two doors, a statue of Iroas with his spear and a set of chains binding a prostrate, furious minotaur (an unsubtle allegory of Mogis) focuses the attention of the visitors, representing the discipline that serves to bind the lower instincts. The wings on either side serve as access to the upper floor and are guarded by priest-warriors of Iroas. The judges and priests have rooms at the top, and are cloistered fifteen days before any sporting event to avoid fraud or blackmail during the tests.
Two terraces on both sides allow crowds to witness the entrance of the Twelve after offerings are given to the god. All participants in the games are blessed by the priests in front of the statue of Iroas before whom they are shown dressed only in their clamid. The winners are also crowned here before their triumphal return to the stadium, the end of the games and the beginning of the celebrations.
Location Description
Outside
The Temple of Iroas Hegeton, presiding over the North Stadium, emerges as a symbol of order and discipline. This two-story structure, serving as both a temple and an administrative hub for the sporting events, presents a dignified facade. Externally, the building is characterized by its simplicity, with a row of columns supporting the first floor and a modest porch marking the entrance. The temple's unassuming exterior belies its importance as the heart of the North Stadium, where the discipline of the games is overseen and upheld by the judges and masters.
Inside
Crossing the threshold of the Temple of Iroas Hegeton, you enter the main hall on the first floor, flanked by two side wings. The hall is dominated by a striking statue of Iroas with his spear, subduing a furious, prostrate minotaur—an allegory of Mogis. This powerful depiction serves as a constant reminder of the discipline required to conquer lower instincts. The side wings provide access to the upper floor, where priest-warriors of Iroas stand guard. These upper rooms, reserved for judges and priests, become their cloister in the days leading up to sporting events, ensuring their impartiality. The temple also features two terraces on either side, from which crowds can witness the ceremonial entrance of the Twelve and the offerings to the god. Before the statue of Iroas, athletes receive blessings and are crowned in victory, clad only in their clamides, symbolizing the start of triumphant celebrations in the stadium.
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