Pausanias, the ancient traveller, described the Eleusinian Mysteries as a profoundly awe-inspiring event, revered for its sacredness and the grandeur it presented to both participants and onlookers. This sentiment was echoed by several Roman emperors, many of whom either underwent initiation or demonstrated their reverence to Demeter and Kore through substantial donations to the sanctuary. Among them, Emperor Hadrian was particularly noted for his deep devotion and admiration for the Mysteries. During his imperial visits to Greece, he actively participated in the processions (notably in 124/125, 128/129, and 131/132 AD) and contributed to the enhancement of the Sacred Way, financing the construction of a substantial stone bridge over the Eleusinian Cephissus, and thereby facilitating a safer and more convenient river crossing for the procession.
Perhaps the most visible markers of Hadrian’s involvement and interest are the two grand, single-arched triumphal arches built within the spacious courtyard at the sanctuary’s entrance. The south-eastern arch was positioned at the terminus of the road leading from Athens. Constructed from Pentelic marble, it stood upon Corinthian pillars flanked by Corinthian columns. The columns themselves were set upon square bases adorned with crossed torch motifs, symbolic of Demeter and Persephone. Above the arches’ central span were three openings encased by Corinthian columns and pillars, with a pediment resembling that of a temple.
The arch was a replica of the one Hadrian had constructed in Athens, delineating the divide between the ancient city of Theseus and the new Roman residential district. As such, it signified the power and generosity of Emperor Hadrian for visitors arriving from Athens. Mirroring the Athenian archetype, it bore the dedicatory inscription: “THE PANHELLENES TO THE GODDESSES AND THE EMPEROR”. This inscription referenced the Panhellenion, a league of Greek city-states founded by Hadrian around 131–132 CE. Deeply intertwined with the cult of the emperor and the Eleusinian Mysteries, the Panhellenion saw its member cities sending offerings to Eleusis and possibly overseeing the cult’s financial affairs.
