Aglaureion, Ancient Greek sanctuary on the eastern slope of Acropolis, Athens, Greece
The Aglaureion contains a large cave entrance measuring 14 meters across, situated along the rocky terrain of the Acropolis hill.
Persian forces utilized this location in 480 BCE to scale the Acropolis walls during their invasion of Athens, as recorded by Herodotus.
The sanctuary functioned as a ceremonial space where ephebes participated in initiation rites and women conducted nighttime religious observances.
The archaeological remains are accessible through the main Acropolis entrance, with related artifacts displayed in the Acropolis Museum collection.
Archaeological excavations in the 1980s uncovered a memorial stone honoring Timokrite, a priestess who served at the sanctuary in 247 BCE.
Location: Athens Municipality
GPS coordinates: 37.97167,23.72861
Latest update: March 4, 2025 17:16
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