Sanctum

Sanctum is a term of Latin origin meaning a sacred place. In religious and architectural contexts, it denotes the inner or most sacred part of a building, such as the inner sanctuary of a temple. The phrase sanctum sanctorum refers specifically to the Holy of Holies in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. In broader usage, sanctum can describe any private, restricted, or protected space—often used metaphorically as an inner sanctum or private retreat within an organization or household.

Beyond its literal usage, Sanctum is the title of several works in popular culture. Sanctum (film) is a 2011 Australian–American disaster movie directed by Alister Grierson, depicting a team of cave divers trapped in a submerged cave system. The film stars Ioan Gruffudd and Richard Roxburgh and focuses on survival in an enclosed, claustrophobic environment.

Sanctum (video game) is a 2011 tower defense shooter developed by Coffee Stain Studios. Players build automated defenses and fight waves of alien creatures in a cooperative campaign; a sequel, Sanctum 2, followed in 2013.

The term’s use in these contexts illustrates its dual sense as both a literal sacred space and a figurative private or protected arena, a pattern that appears in religious language as well as contemporary media.