BRAURON (sanctuary in Attica)
Ancient Greek sanctuary of Artemis
- Kind of place
- Sanctuary
- Region
- Attica
- Where
- 37.93° N, 23.99° E
Iphigenia landed at Brauron while fleeing from the Tauri, left an image of Artemis there, and was appointed as the key-holder for the goddess. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474 The sanctuary housed an old wooden cult image of Artemis known as Brauronian Artemis. Pausanias 1.33.1 Brauron was a holy and sacred spot located in the region of Attica. Athenaeus 6.1
Described in the sources
The goddess is named after the parish of Brauron. Pausanias 1.23.7 Brauron is located at some distance from Marathon. Pausanias 1.33.1 The temple of Diana Brauronia is located at Brauron. Strabo 9.1.22 An old wooden image of the Tauric Artemis is kept in Brauron. Pausanias 1.23.7 A river named Erasinus flows in the Attic region near Brauron. Strabo 8.6.8 Brauron was one of twelve cities settled by Cecrops in Attica. Strabo 9.1.20 Athena commands that a temple be built at this specific location. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474 The site is described as being neighbor to the ridge of Carystia. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474 Athenian women were taken away from this location by the Pelasgians. Herodotus 4.145.2 Brauron is situated along the coast between Steiria and Halae Araphenides. Strabo 9.1.22
Gods and worship
Artemis is called the patroness and queen who rules over Brauron. Athenaeus 6.1 Blood is drawn in atonement for Orestes' sacrifice to honor the goddess. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474 A law requires a sword to be held to a man's throat during the festival here. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474 Women who die in childbirth will dedicate finely-woven robes to Iphigenia here. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474 Mortals will celebrate Artemis Tauropolos with hymns at this site in future times. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474 A temple is to be built at Halae (Brauron) where the image will be set up and named after the Tauric land. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474
Stories and history
Xerxes removed the image of Brauronian Artemis from the site and it was transported to Susa after being captured by the Persians. Pausanias 3.16.8 +1 Iphigenia will die and be buried at this place. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 1435-1474 Pelasgians from Lemnos ambushed and captured many women at this site. Herodotus 6.138.1 The inhabitants of Brauron were later gathered into Athens by Theseus. Strabo 9.1.20 Seleucus transferred the image from Brauron to the Syrians of Laodicea. Pausanias 3.16.8
Myths set at Brauron
- Theft of the Artemis Orthia Image. hook: The Lacedaemonians claim the image of Artemis Orthia was brought to their land because Orestes was king there. goal: Orestes and Iphigenia allegedly stole the wooden image from the Tauric land. outcome: The image is associated with Lacedaemon, while Athenians allegedly left a similar image behind at Brauron when preparing to abandon their land. Pausanias 3.16.7 Artemis