Visit one of the most ancient sanctuaries in Attica,
38 kms east of Athens. The sanctuary situated in a valley between
low hills near the coast, was dedicated to Artemis Brauronia, goddess
of childbirth and protectress of all animals.
The cult was said to have been introduced by Iphigeneia,
the daughter of Agamemnon, that was saved by Artemis just as she was
about to be sacrificed by her father at the start of the Greek expedition
to Troy.
See the ruins of the Doric stoa which gave the sanctuary
its special character. It was the place where the little "bears",
young Athenian girls between five and ten years of age, lived and
served Artemis.
See also the museum, which has a wealth of finds
from this site.
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