The western oracle hole viewed from the outer northern apse.
Although named "Oracle Holes" we
have no idea of the uses these strange perforations were originally intended
for.
This hole is finished to a high standard and completely penetrates the
centre of this huge limestone block. A stepped
opening, the oracle hole curiously resembles the weapons slit of a WWII pillbox.
This oracle hole communicates between
the outer northern apse and a small rear intramural chamber that can only be accessed
by a doorway in the northern,
or "back" wall of the temple. Because of differences in ground level, the hole actually
opens close to the floor of the rear intramural chamber.