In ancient Greek temples, a sacred inner chamber or sanctuary that was forbidden to the general public and only accessible to priests.
From Greek 'abatos' meaning 'not to be entered' or 'inaccessible,' formed with the prefix 'a-' (not) and 'batos' (to go/step). Common in temples dedicated to Asclepius and other deities.
Ancient Greek temples often had these mysterious hidden chambers where only the priests could go—like the most exclusive VIP room imaginable, which probably made people even more curious about what was happening inside.
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