Still unsolved mysteries: Elefsina (Eleusis)

Well, this was by far the most unusual archeological site we visited.  There were no obvious ancient ruins.  In fact, the information about the site indicated that it had been built, rebuilt, modified and expanded for over seven centuries, well into the Roman period of occupation, and so it was complicated and rather confusing to parse.

There was no obvious temple to Demeter (or Persephone).  Instead, there were temples to Roman emperor's wives!  That's just wrong.  There was no stoa for obvious commerce, but there were two different housing areas for priestesses and a hotel-like structure.  There was only one known treasury, but now several silos for grain storage.  It was very strange, and even with maps, architectural mock ups and the plaques, we were still left just wandering for a couple of hours.

I could show you pictures of the site from the highest elevation, but it wouldn't make it any better.

In the center of the picture is the lesser propylae (entrance) behind that is the greater propylea (bigger entrance, although it looks smaller).  To the right are spare parts of several structures.  To the left are the housing ruins.  In the very back are two random fallen columns which do not appear related to either propylea.  All clear now, right?  No?  Ok.  Moving on.

What was interesting and unique about the site were the carvings which we had not seen elsewhere:

Sheaves of wheat and cylinder on the triglyphs and rosettes for the metopes

Cistern covers

And a series of other decorative carvings.  Its like staring at pieces of a masonic building...