In the remote mountainous region of Arcadia, Greece, archaeologists have unearthed the foundations of a rare sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon Hippios, the patron of horses. The 4th-century BCE temple is notable for its unusual floor plan, which includes a semi-circular apse and a series of bronze rings embedded in the stone floor, likely used for tethering sacrificial animals.
The excavation team from the Greek Ministry of Culture also recovered hundreds of small terracotta horse figurines and several life-sized bronze bits and bridles. These artifacts underscore the deep religious connection between the Arcadian mountain tribes and the equestrian aspect of Poseidon, providing a unique look into localized cult practices that differed from the god's better-known maritime worship.