What was primarily stored in the cella of a temple?

The cella of a temple, also known as the naos, was the innermost chamber where the cult statue of the deity to whom the temple was dedicated was housed. This central space was highly significant in ancient Roman and Greek temples, as it served as the focal point of worship and religious practice. The statue of the god, often elaborately crafted and richly adorned, represented the divine presence and was the primary object of veneration by the worshippers.

In contrast, food supplies or practical items like weapons and armor had no place in the sacred cella, as this area was dedicated exclusively to the divine and the rituals associated with it. While artistic sculptures could be present in the temple, they were not typically situated in the cella but rather in other parts of the structure or surrounding areas. The cella's main purpose was to provide a sanctuary for the god’s statue, making it central to the temple's religious function.