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Demeter
Demeter was one of the oldest gods in the ancient Greek pantheon. Demeter was a goddess of agriculture and guaranteed the fertility of the earth. She protected both farming and vegetation. The close connection with the earth was inherited...
Article
The Eleusinian Mysteries: The Rites of Demeter
The Rites of Eleusis, or the Eleusinian Mysteries, were the secret rituals of the mystery school of Eleusis and were observed regularly from c. 1600 BCE - 392 CE. Exactly what this mystic ritual was no one knows; but why the ancient Greeks...
Definition
Kykeon
Kykeon (from the Greek “to mix, stir”) was a beverage of water and barley (sometimes flavored with mint or thyme) popular among the working, 'lower' class of ancient Greece. In Homer's Illiad it is described as a mixture of water, barley...
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The Greek Goddess Demeter and the Eleusinian Mysteries
Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, bread, and grain is one of the oldest deities in the ancient Greek pantheon, and not only that, she was an incredibly important one as the goddess that guaranteed the fertility of the earth. With...
Definition
Eleusis
Eleusis was a deme of Athens and most famous for its annual festival of the Mysteries in honour of Demeter and Persephone. The site was also an important fortress protecting Attica and held several other important festivals, notably the Thesmophoria...
Definition
Persephone
Persephone (aka Kore) was the Greek goddess of agriculture and vegetation, especially grain, and the wife of Hades, the ruler of the Underworld. Persephone was an important element of the Eleusinian Mysteries and the Thesmophoria festival...
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Demeter and Persephone
The Return of Persephone by Frederick Leighton, 1891
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Demeter & Persephone
Terracotta group of two seated women, perhaps Demeter and her daughter Persephone. Made at Myrina, north-west Asia-Minor, circa 180 BCE. Said to be from Asia-Minor. (The British Museum, London)
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Telesterion, Sanctuary of Demeter & Kore, Eleusis
The Telesterion was a large rectangular hall, probably columned, in the Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore at Eleusis (Greece). It served as the initiation Hall and Temple for the Eleusinian Mysteries. Date of construction: c. 435 BCE - 421 BCE
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Demeter Holding a Torch
Small statue of Demeter holding a torch. Set on a Roman funerary altar with Latin inscription for "Annia Isiada". Formerly in the collection of Duc De Blacas. Presented to the British Museum by Sir J. S. Gaskoin in 1836 CE. From Athens. Roman...