Naos refers to the inner chamber of a temple in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, where the cult statue of a deity was housed. This sacred space was typically located at the rear of the temple and was often surrounded by a colonnade. The naos served as the focal point for worship and rituals, emphasizing the importance of the deity to the community. In modern usage, "naos" can also refer to a type of ship or vessel in ancient maritime contexts. These ships were designed for trade and transportation, playing a crucial role in the economy and cultural exchange of ancient civilizations, including Greece and Rome.