Eleusis Telesterion South Dark Hall
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical Greek/Roman·🇬🇷 Attica, Eleusis, Greece
About
About Eleusis Telesterion South Dark Hall
Eleusis Telesterion South Dark Hall in Attica, Eleusis, Greece is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical Greek/Roman. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 38.0410N 23.5370E controls access to Attica resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Attica, Eleusis, illustrating Classical Greek/Roman construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical Greek/Roman
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1995 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Eleusis Telesterion South Dark Hall main structure
c. 1935
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1995–2010
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Eleusis Telesterion South Dark Hall) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
38.0410° N · 23.5370° E · 325 m · 3 mapped features
Eleusis Telesterion South Dark Hall — Main Structure
structurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
38.0418° N · 23.5379° EEleusis Telesterion South Dark Hall — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
38.0400° N · 23.5363° EEleusis Telesterion South Dark Hall — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
38.0425° N · 23.5382° E