Stoa at Brauron

The Stoa at Brauron was the main administrative center for the cult practice at the Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia. The Π-shaped Doric stoa was constructed circa 430-420 BCE and is thought to have remained partially incomplete throughout its use. Excavations of the site by Papadimitriou began in 1948 and continued through 1962.  Many votive stelae as well as other votive offerings were found in the stoa as well as tables and couches that indicate this space may have been used for dining. Another theorized use of the stoa was that it was used to house the arktoi, young girls who would “act a bear” during religious festivals. Also recovered from the stoa were partial records of dedications. These dedications included clothing of women dedicated after or during childbirth, suggesting the cult site was important for women hoping for successful childbirth or commemorating a terminal one. The stoa is the only currently standing building at the site due to its partial reconstruction.