The
archaeological area of Eleusis.
The Sanctuary of Demeter in
Eleusis
Each thumbnail photo is a link to a larger version of the same
photograph.
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Temple of Artemis Propylaia and the Father Poseidon.
The temple is of Doric structure , pentelic marble , dates from the second
cent. BC |
The Greater Propylaia. The Greater Propylaia was build
by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius as a monumental entrace to the Sanctuary.
It is an exact copy of the central section of the Propylaia of the
Athenian Acropolis. |
Telesterion. Initiation into the Mysteries took place
in the Telesterion, a large hypostyle hall with seats on all four sides,
where the initiates watched the rituals. The Hierophantes displayed sacred
heirlooms, recited sacred texts, and conveyed to the faithful an
optimistic view of life after death. |
Lesser Propylaia. From the decoration of the outer
facade one Caryatid is displayed in the Museum, while the other is in
Cambridge where it was taken in 1812. The grooves in the floor were cut to
allow carriages to pass without causing any damage. |
Plutonion. The area of the cavern recalls the entrance
to Hades: it was associated with the abduction of Persephone by Pluto in
the autumn and her ascent to earth again in the spring. The myth is
connected with the fructification of the earth after the sowing of the
seed, which was regarded as Demeter's gift to the human race. The temple
of Pluto is Archaic in date but was remodelled on many occasions from the
fourth century B.C. down to Roman times. |
The sacred way. The Sacred way began at the sacred gate
in the fortification walls of Athens, in the modern archaeological site of
the Kerameikos, and ended at the Sanctuary of Eleusis. |
Lesser Propylaia reconstrucion. |
Well of the fair dances (Kallichoron). This well has
existed since very early times. According to myth, it was here that
Demeter rested as she searched for her daughter Persephone. This was
celebrated by a special festival with dances performed by maidens from
Eleusis. The well-head was first made in the sixth century B.C. All later
structures in the Sanctuary respected this sacred area. |
Stoa of Philo. The Stoa was built by the Eleusinian architect Philo in
the Doric order. |
Stepped terrace. Was created in Roman Times wit steps
cut into the bedrock. |
Sanctuary of Eleusis. Stairs to the Acropolis. |
Bouleuterion. Bouleuterion. It was build in the 3rd
cent. BC. and served the headquarters of the council of Eleusis. |
The Lykourgan enclosure wall. |
Sanctuary of Eleusis. The Gymnasium. |