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Taurobolium Altar. National Archaeological Museum. Athens. G
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Taurobolium Altar. National Archaeological Museum. Athens. G
Taurobolium Altar (360-370) with relief depicting the goddess Cybele enthroned with Demeter (right) flanked by Persephone Kore and Iacchus. Probably from Chalandri. National Archaeological Museum. Athens. Greece
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Media ID 14320032
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Altar Archaeological Athens Bas Relief Ceremony Cult Cybele Demeter Eleusinian Eleusis Enthroned Goddess Initiation Kore Marble Mysteres Mysteries Mystery Mythology Pentelic Persephone Rite Snake Throne Myth Taurobolium
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning Taurobolium Altar, dating back to the 4th century AD, is a remarkable testament to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece. Discovered in Chalandri, near Athens, this marble masterpiece is now proudly displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The altar's intricate bas-relief depicts the goddess Cybele, the Great Mother Goddess, enthroned at the center, flanked by Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, and her daughter Persephone Kore, the goddess of the underworld. Iacchus or Iakchos, the god of vegetation and fertility, stands to the left of Cybele. The scene represents the Taurobolium, an ancient religious rite believed to have originated in Phrygia and later adopted in Rome and Greece. The ceremony was dedicated to Cybele and involved the sacrifice of a bull, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. The initiates would bathe in the blood of the sacrificed bull, believing it would bring them purification and salvation. The intricate details of the relief, such as the snakes coiling around Cybele's throne and the elaborate folds of the goddesses' robes, showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the ancient Greek sculptors. The Taurobolium Altar is a captivating reminder of the complex mythology, religious practices, and artistic achievements of ancient Greece. This masterpiece continues to inspire awe and fascination, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of the past.
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