Eleusinian terms Flashcards
Hierophant
The sacred mystery interpreter (head priest)
Cerykes and Eumolpid
Priestly clans of Eleusis
These were the families that origionally lived on the site before Athens took over. Athens employed them to run it.
Anaktoron
Rectangular stone structure in Telesterion
This holds the Hiera (sacred objects)
Hiera
Sacred objects in the Anaktoron (a rectangular stone structure in the telesterion, built for this purpose)
Propylaea
Monumental gateway separating sacred from profane
Mystae or Mysts
People wishing to be initiated
Mystagogues
People that have been initiated
Eleusinion
Base building for the mystery cult in Athens
Hierá Hodós
Sacred way between Athens and Eleusis.
This way Athens (who took control of the site) could keep themselves relevant. It acted as a pilgrimage way to eleusis before the festival.
Lacchus or Iaccus
Patron god of initiates in the procession to Eleusis
Kykeōn
A drink of sorts, contents unclear. Likely made them high so they could ‘experience’ the divine.
Epopteia
Final revelation at the Eleusinian Mysteries
Dadouchos
Torchbearer, second most import priest of Mysteries
Kore
Another name for Persephone
Archon Basileus
King of religion in all of Athens
Telesterion
Big sacred building for rituals
