The large cave on the eastern side of the Acropolis was dedicated to Aglaurus, one of the daughters of the mythical king Cecrops and the first priestess of the goddess Athena in Athens. According to a version of the myths handed down to us, the young girl fell from the walls of the Acropolis to save the city during the Eleusinian War, fulfilling a prophecy from the Delphic Oracle. In honour of her sacrifice and patriotism, the Athenians established a sanctuary in the place where she met her end.
The cave-like sanctuary is located just below the walls of the steep eastern slope of the Acropolis. It has a depth of about 22 metres, and the width of its entrance is 14 metres. It was identified by a commemorative decree from the mid-3rd century BCE, discovered near its entrance in 1980, referring to the priestess of Aglaurus, Timokriti. From Herodotus (5th century BCE) and Pausanias (2nd century CE), we learn that the Persians managed to enter the Acropolis from this sanctuary in 480 BCE.
The myth of Aglaurus is reflected in the Ephebic Oath, which was taken by Athenian youths upon reaching their 18th year and before fulfilling their two-year military service. The oath was sworn at the Aglaureion, as the selfless sacrifice of the heroine was meant to serve as an example for the youths preparing for the possibility of facing death in battle for the sake of their city.
