Brauroneion

The Brauroneion was the sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia on the Athenian Acropolis, situated in the southwest corner of the plateau between the Chalkotheke and the Propylaea [1]. Originally dedicated during the reign of Peisistratos, it served as the urban counterpart to Artemis's main sanctuary at Brauron on the east coast of Attica [1][2]. Artemis Brauronia was worshipped as protector of women in pregnancy and childbirth, also invoked as Eileithyia, goddess of birth [1][3]. Devotees honored the goddess by dressing as bears, reflecting her role as mistress of wild animals [3].