Heraeum

In the ancient world, any temple dedicated to the goddess Hera.

With original foundations dating from about 1750 BC, the Heraeum about 8 km/5 mi from Argos and 5 km/3 mi from Mycenae was the most important centre of the worship of Hera. It was maintained jointly by Mycenae and Argos until the destruction of Mycenae by the Argives 468 BC. In 423 the Heraeum was burned down, and Argos erected a new building which contained a statue of Hera by the Greek sculptor Polyclitus.