Temple of Sabina
It lies on the north side of the Telesterion, and is aligned in the E-W direction.
The area where it was erected is an artificially created terrace measuring 14,10x11,20m of which about half was formed by cutting away the rocky hill. Because of the big difference in elevation between its floor and the level of the Processional way, to the east, that led to the Telesterion, but mainly to facilitate the ascent, a stairway of ten steps was constructed which extended across the entire entrance.
This is a temple of Roman times, tetrastyle «in antis». It has shallow porch with four columns between pilasters and an almost square cella (main temple). According to the prevailing view, it was dedicated to the wife of emperor Hadrian Sabina, as an indication of respect.
The east pediment of the temple bore sculpted decoration featuring the abduction of Persephone by Pluto, which copied, in smaller scale some of the figures in the west pediment of the Parthenon.
The central figures of the composition, namely Persephone and Pluto, unfortunately are not preserved. There are however parts of the sculptures that represent the two goddesses, Athena and Artemis who accompanied the young daughter of Demeter. The goddess Athena wears a helmet and her characteristic aegis, while goddess Artemis has hung up her quiver.
The scene of the abduction is also watched by other persons who are identified with heroes and heroines of Eleusis and Athens. Among them, we easily recognize Cecrops and his daughter Herse who are depicted in the exact same way as in the corresponding group of the west pediment of the Parthenon.
Part of the preserved sculptures, known as «Parthenonian», are today on display in the Archaeological Museum of Eleusis.
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