opisthodomos

An opisthodomos is the rear chamber of an ancient Greek temple, situated at the back of the naos (cella) and opposite the pronaos (porch). The term derives from Greek opísthódomos, literally “the house behind.” In most temple plans the opisthodomos forms a distinct room that closes off the rear part of the cella.

Function and use: The opisthodomos commonly served as a storage and administrative space. It was often used to house temple treasures, dedications, ritual equipment, and sometimes the funds of the cult or city. In several temples it also served as a local office for priests or temple officials. Access to the opisthodomos was typically from the exterior or from a side passage rather than directly from the naos, reflecting its secondary status within the sanctuary. The room is not present in all temple types, and its exact arrangement could vary with order and period. In some cases the opisthodomos is closely associated with the inner sanctum but remains distinct from the adyton, which in temples that have one lies behind the naos as the most sacred space.

Examples: The rear room of the Parthenon is commonly identified as the opisthodomos; in other Doric and Ionic temples of the classical period, similar back rooms fulfilled the same practical roles of storage and treasury.

See also: Cella (naos), Pronaos (porch), Adyton.