Introduction

The material dimension of cult practices and ritual communication in ancientsanctuaries is the central issue of all contributions gathered in the book, which has been framed withinthree complementary areas of enquiry. Firstly, the architectural settings of sanctuarieswas examined beyond temple buildings to appraise the wider context of theirstructural and spatial complexity. Secondly, the material culture of votive depositionand religious feasting is analysed in terms of performative characteristics andthrough the lens of anthropological approaches. Thirdly, the significance of genderin cultic practice is investigated in light of the fresh data retrieved from the field.