Eleusinian mysteries

Question 1

define ‘mystery cult’

Answer 1

a form of worship involving an initiation procedure and set of rules and practices that had to be kept secret by those who had been initiated

Question 2

why were Demeter and Kore worshipped in Attica?

Answer 2

they are connected with the afterlife

Question 3

who welcomed Demeter when she was searching the earth for Persephone?

Answer 3

King Cereus and his family in Eleusis

Question 4

how were the Eleusinian mysteries established?

Answer 4

Demeter ordered the Eleusinians to build her a temple, then revealed to them how to perform her secret mysteries to gain divine favour in life and death

Question 5

describe the location of Eleusis

Answer 5

a deme in Attica 15 miles west of Athens

Question 6

when were their festivals included in the Athenian civic calendar of sacred festivals?

Answer 6

6th century onwards

Question 7

who could be an initiate of the Eleusinian mysteries?

Answer 7

anyone who spoke Greek and could pay the initiation fee (except people convicted of a serious crime)

Question 8

what building was most important for the Eleusinian mysteries?

Answer 8

the Telesterion - a 50mx50m roofed hall with stands carved in rock for spectators and prospective initiates

Question 9

how many ceremonies took place each year?

Answer 9

two annual ceremonies from 6th century onwards

Question 10

what events took place during the pre-assembly of the festival?

Answer 10

sacred objects brought from Eleusis and put in the Eleusinion

Question 11

define Eleusinion

Answer 11

temple at the bottom of the Acropolis

Question 12

what events took place on day 1 of the festival?

Answer 12

assembly in the Athenian marketplace, and archon basileus issues instructions

Question 13

define mystagogue

Answer 13

initiate of the mysteries

Question 14

define myst

Answer 14

prospective initiate of the mysteries

Question 15

define archon basileus

Answer 15

official responsible for religion

Question 16

what events took place on day 2 of the festival?

Answer 16

purification rituals - bathing of participants and sacrificial animals in the sea

Question 17

what events took place on day 3 of the festival?

Answer 17

festival to Asclepius and Hygeia with a pannychis

Question 18

who was Asclepius?

Answer 18

god of healing

Question 19

who was Hygeia?

Answer 19

daughter of Asclepius

Question 20

define pannychis

Answer 20

an all-night feast

Question 21

what events took place on day 4 of the festival?

Answer 21

procession to Eleusis along the Sacred Way. dancing, singing, libations and sacrifices took place during the procession. ceremony upon arrival led by hierophant, then pannychis and kykeon drinking

Question 22

define hierophant

Answer 22

chief priest of the mysteries, descendant of the mythical King Eumoplus

Question 23

define kykeon

Answer 23

drink with a secret recipe

Question 24

who was Iacchus?

Answer 24

god of the initiates

Question 25

what events took place on days 5-7 of the festival?

Answer 25

initiates enter the Telesterion, sacrifices are performed, dancing and feasting takes place

Question 26

what events took place on day 8 of the festival?

Answer 26

libations poured from special containers

Question 27

what events took place on day 9 of the festival?

Answer 27

mysteries ended

Question 28

define epopteia

Answer 28

revelation of the secret at the end of the Eleusinian mysteries

Question 29

define Dadouchos

Answer 29

a torch bearing priest, second in importance, descendant of mythical king Cereus

Question 30

what are the Elysian fields

Answer 30

a mythical area of the underworld originally for heroes. the afterlife experience is blessed here