Archaeological Site of Elefsina

The Sanctuary of Eleusis (Elefsina) was one of the most important ancient religious centers of antiquity. It was the place of worship of Demeter, the goddess of nature, agriculture and rural life, and of her daughter, Persephone. The association of Elefsina with the two goddesses is connected to the myth of Persephone's abduction by Pluto and her mother's search. This myth was told thousands of times by rhapsodists and dramatists and was one of the most beloved of the ancient world and a source of inspiration for many artists in different periods. The worship became known as the Mysteries of the goddess Demeter and, as the rites took place in Eleusis, they were called the Eleusinian Mysteries. A local cult, therefore, which was at first limited to the members of a family or a genus, gradually spread beyond these narrow limits. Following the annexation of the city of Eleusis to the powerful state of Athens, during the historical times, this worship became a Panhellenic religious tradition with a unifying power and strong influence, which during Roman period acquired universal prestige. The Eleusinian were taking place in two periods, in March during spring and in September, lasting nine days, in memory of the wandering of the goddess Demeter in search of her daughter, Persephone.