What was so significant about the Temple of Apollo at Amyklai?

The Ionic (not Doric) Temple of Apollo at Amyklai contained an enormous statue of Apollo with a raised spear in front of a large throne. The temple was ornately decorated by architects and tradesmen from other Greek states. Spartans would travel to the temple for the annual 3-day Festival of the Hyakinthia. They also travelled out from the city of Sparta to Amyklai for picnics. This source-based homework task is designed to increase student understanding of the NSW Ancient History syllabus
Higher School Certificate course
Part II: Ancient Societies
Option I: Spartan Society to the Battle of Leuctra
The Temple of Apollo at Amyklai was known throughout Greece as one of the oldest temples (it dated back to Mycenaean times) and one of the most beautiful. It tells us much about Spartan religious practices and their social world.