The Ambraciots found themselves in a bind. The city belonged to Hercules, but they knew they had to pacify Apollo. They chose to honour him as the patron god of highways, travellers, and colonists. He was also their Saviour from civil strife and tyranny. His symbol was the baetylus (the sacred stone) that appears on the city’s coinage and was used as a stamp on the roof tiles of temples and other public buildings. During the Byzantine period, the people of Arta reused the temple stones for other building projects and the area became a cemetery. One of the women buried here wore a priceless dress of gold and silver plated threads. It was a luxury item that was definitely imported from another large urban center.