Sanctuary (Saint Seiya) - Geography, Location and Structures - The Gold Zodiac

The Gold Zodiac

The Gold Zodiac (黄道十二宮, Kōdōjyūnikyū?) is the largest part of the Sanctuary, consists of twelve temples representing the twelve Zodiacs. All the Twelve Temples were built in Greek architecture since the ancient time. They align themselves over high peaks, ridges and slopes of the mountains, from the first sign to the last; namely, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces Temple. However, through wars and the passage of time, many Temples have fallen into decay. And, in the manga versions, Aries Temple has only pillars still standing.

All the Temples are connected by a single long flight of steps connecting the first Temple to the next and so on. These Temples also serve as forts, as they all have Gold Saints of the corresponding signs assigned to them. In addition to the Gold Saints manning the fort, the path and all around the Zodiac are blessed by Athena's Cosmo, serving as holy barriers preventing lesser evils and teleportation between Temples. Thus, all those who desire to pass through them must only thread this path afoot. And due to such severe defense, no enemy without Athena's blessing has ever reached the topmost part of the Sanctuary which they protect since the ancient time.

Most Gold Saints with a few exceptions reside here. It has never been shown in the original manga that there are residential parts in these Twelve Temples. But in Episode G, these parts are integrated into them.

In the original manga, this part is mentioned by the name Twelve Temples. The name Gold Zodiac is first used in Episode G.