Beyond The Ordinary
Li
Beyond The Ordinary
The main religious site at Eleusis was The Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore (Persephone). While this functioned as one large, enclosed sacred precinct—a Panhellenic sanctuary—it contained multiple specific temples, structures, and sacred spots dedicated to various deities associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Key Components And Specific Areas Within The Sanctuary Of Eleusis Included:
• The Telesterion: The central, largest building used for the initiation rites (the main temple of Demeter).
• The Ploutonion (Cave of Hades): A sacred cave considered the entrance to the Underworld where Hades abducted Persephone.
• The Kallichoron Well: A sacred well where Demeter is said to have rested, and whereinitiates danced.
• Propylaea (Gateways): The Greater Propylaea (Roman) and Lesser Propylaea (built by Appius Claudius Pulcher in 54 BC).
• Temples to Roman Emperors: Later additions, including temples dedicated to Sabina and Faustina II by Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius.
• Temple of Artemis: A temple located within the sanctuary complex.