Eleusis: A Sacred City of Ancient Greece

Eleusis in Attica was one of the 5 holy cities of Ancient Greece, along with Athens, Olympia, Delphi and Delos.

Eleusis was founded around 2000 BC, 20 km outside Athens. Due to its advantageous location, Eleusis quickly developed into a very powerful and fortified city.

Kostas Vassis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Eleusinian Mysteries

Eleusis is chiefly known as the place of worship of the Greek goddess Demeter, the goddess of vegetation. The “Eleusinian Mysteries” in honor of Demeter were performed for over two thousand years and attracted pilgrims from all over the known world.

Featured Image Credit: Carole Raddato, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Evangelia

Evangelia Hatzitsinidou is the creator and author of www.greek-gods.info which has been merged with Olympioi.com. She has been writing about Greek Mythology for almost twenty years. A native to Greece, she teaches and lives just outside Athens.