Within the present-day industrial town of Elefsína, on the coast 22km/14mi west of central Athens, is the site of ancient Eleusis, home of the Eleusinian mysteries, an important sanctuary dating back to Mycenaean times.
The Eleusinian cult arose out of the myth of the goddess Demeter, who lamented at the Kallichoros well here
the loss of her daughter Persephone, abducted by Hades; and no corn grew until Zeus commanded that Persephone should be allowed to return annually in spring. Demeter thereupon established the Eleusinian mysteries, in which she was honored as the granter of fertility and Persephone (also known as Kore, the Maiden) as an annually returning vegetation goddess.
The initiates of the mysteries, who were admitted in two stages to the Lesser and the Greater Eleusinia, appear to have been given the promise not only of the annual renewal of nature but also of a resurrection.
The Aiskhylia festival, with ancient dramas, are held on the site annually in August and September.
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