lesson 3- festivals and procession of the eleusinian mysteries

Question 1

What different types of evidence do we have for what took place during the festival and procession of the Eleusinian Mysteries?

Answer 1

Inscriptions, archeological and literary evidence

Question 2

How many ceremonies took place each year and from which point in time?

Answer 2

Two ceremonies from the 6th century onwards.

Question 3

when were the lesser mysteries celebrated?

Answer 3

in spring

Question 4

What was seen as the purpose of the lesser mysteries?

Answer 4

Preparatory event for the Great mysteries’ which were held in the autumn

Question 5

The ‘greater mysteries’ were celebrated over the same number of days that Demeter grieved for Persephone - how many days was this?

Answer 5

9 days

Question 6

what happened on day 1 of the festival?

Answer 6

around 3,000 initiated people who could also initiate others (mystagogues) and those who wanted to be initiated (mysts) gathered in the Athenian agora and were instructed by someone called the archon basileus- the highest official that was responsible for religion in athens

Question 7

what is an archon basileus?

Answer 7

the highest official that was responsible for religion in athens

Question 8

what happened on the second day of the festival?

Answer 8

The whole group, including sacrificial animals marched to the seaside to bathe together as a purification ritual

Question 9

what happened on days 3-5 during the festival?

Answer 9

this was a period of rest

Question 10

what happened on day 6 of the festival?

Answer 10

a procession- The procession was led by the priests and priestesses who carried the sacred objects on their 15 mile long journey to eleusis.

Question 11

what happened on the 7th day?

Answer 11

unknown

Question 12

what happened on days 8-9 of the festival?

Answer 12

The actual initiation took place in two grades, a lower grade and a higher grade. Part of the prep included fasting and drinking of a special brew (kykeon)

Question 13

What is the Ninnion tablet made from?

Answer 13

terracotta

Question 14

Who dedicated the tablet and where?

Answer 14

The ninnion ( a person) dedicated this table as a votive offering to the two goddesses (demeter and persephone) connected to the eleusinian mysteries in the sanctuary where it was found

Question 15

Who is the male figure with the torch?

Answer 15

the god lacchus

Question 16

Who are the group of people and how can we tell?

Answer 16

A group of initiates who are identified by the typical myrtle leaf crown on their heads

Question 17

Who are the two main female seated characters?

Answer 17

demeter and persephone

Question 18

How have scholars interpreted the images on the tablet?

Answer 18

The scene depicts the climax of the initiation, the revelation of the secret where someone will meet the gods in a possible underworld setting.

Question 19

What role did the state play in the mystery cult?

Answer 19

The state would prosecute anyone that revealed the secret or talked badly about the mystery cult. And they also organised the festival and procession.