Ancient Sacrifices Hidden in the Aligned Temple of Hera

The Temple of Hera II, constructed in the Doric order around 460-450 BC, is located in Paestum, Campania, Italy. The temple originates from the mystery of its alignment with a double-peaked mountain considered sacred by the Greeks. The temple measures 24.46 by 59.98 metres, with six external columns on both shorter sides and fourteen columns on the longer sides (counting the corner columns twice). The columns are 8.88 metres high, and taper from a diameter of nearly 7 feet at the bottom to about 5 feet at the top. The unusual 4.25:1 ratio of height to lower diameter is a peculiar feature of the temple, hinting at its celestial purpose. Whispers of hidden sacrifices echo through the temple's halls even today.

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