Brauroneion

The Brauroneion was the sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia on the Athenian Acropolis, consecrated during the reign of Peisistratos. The protector of pregnant women and women in childbirth had her main sanctuary at Brauron, while the sacred precinct on the Acropolis had no temple. Instead, a stoa roughly 38 meters long and 6.80 meters deep, set against the southwest perimeter wall, served this function. It opened to the north and had two enclosed side wings, where the wooden cult statue was kept. Women offered garments to the goddess in thanks or as a plea for her favor. The entrance was marked by steps cut into the rock, which were probably laid out in connection with the construction of the Propylaea around 430 B.C.