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| The Telesterion, or the Temple of Demeter, is at
least six layers deep, each layer successively larger than the preceding
layer below. The oldest layer dates to Mycenean times. The ruins of
the structure now seen are the remains of the Periclean rebuilding
as remodeled by Marcus Aurelius. Eight tiers of seats, half hewn from
the rock, half built upon it, completely covered in marble during
Roman times, line all four sides of the temple, allowing for over
three thousand spectators. The seats are broken by six entrance ways,
two each on the north, east, and south sides. In the center was the
Anaktoron, forbidden to all but the Hierophant. It was from the inner
sanctum that the Hierophant would reveal the Hiera. The south-eastern
front of the Telesterion is adorned by the portico of Philo, or the
Stoa of Philon. A well cut into the rock beneath may be the
original Kallichoron. To the east, steps lead up to a terrace and
to a possible treasury. |
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| Telesterion from south west |
"Old Telesterion" |
The Anaktoron |
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| Seats in Telesterion |
Stoa of Philon |
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