Eleusis and the Eleusinian Mysteries [antikvár]

lü """" nThe excavations conducted at Eleusis under the auspices of the Archaeological Society of Athens, Greece, in the last thirty years were so fruitful that the accounts of the Sanctuary published thus far have to be drastically revised. With the complete clearing of the Sanctuary area, the publication of the Temenos of Demeter is now possible. This long and complicated task has already been started by the scholars who collaborated in the excavation, but completion is still far off. In the belief that in the meanwhile there is urgent need of a general account of the Sanctuary and the Eleusinian cult for the student and the interested nonspecialist, scholar and layman alike, I have attempted the publication of the present volume. Years ago Konstantinos Kourouniotes and I planned the publication of such a book in English. I am happy to have been able to fulfill his wish, although I have greatly missed his generous advice and wise direction. It is strange Indeed that the protagonists in the excavations of Eleusis were not destined to undertake the final publication and to enjoy the benefit of their labors and discoveries. The reader, I hope, In the pages that follow will be able to find out the greatness of their work and will appreciate their Immense contribution to the uncovering and study of one of the most difficult, as well as one of the most renowned, sites of the pagan Hellenic world.To the Archaeological Society of Athens, Its Council, and Its General Secretary Professor A. K. Orlandos I am deeply grateful for the privilege of working at Eleusis and for their unfailing support of that work. I am especially grateful to the late George P. OIkonomos, the unforgettable friend and mentor of all archaeological endeavor In Greece, for his Interest, help, and advice In the early years of my efforts. Heartfelt thanks are due to my collaborators at Eleusis, Dr. John N. Travlos and John Threpslades, for their collaboration and understanding. To Dr. Travlos I am especially grateful for preparing the plans for this volume, for reading my manuscript, for our frequent discussions and valuable suggestions. I want to acknowledge my deep gratitude to Ethan A. H. Shepley, Chancellor of Washington University, to Vice Chancellor{ v'n }