Eleusis

Eleusis was an ancient Greek city 23 km west of Athens, renowned as the site of the Eleusinian Mysteries -- among the most sacred initiation rites in the ancient world, held annually for the cult of Demeter and Persephone. The Telesterion (Hall of Initiation) was first built in late Mycenaean times before 1000 BC and enlarged multiple times. Open to any Greek-speaking adult regardless of gender or status, the mysteries attracted Roman emperors including Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. The site also claims fame as the birthplace of Aeschylus, father of tragedy. Alaric's Goths destroyed it in 395 AD.