On Famous Women

Providing the occasion for many fables to this matter. There was, moreover, another Ceres The Roman goddess of agriculture, equivalent to the Greek Demeter. at Eleusis, a city of the Attic region Eleusis was the site of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most famous religious rites of ancient Greece., who was famous among her own people for the same merits. They claim that Triptolemus A mythical prince of Eleusis who was taught the arts of agriculture by Ceres and sent to spread the knowledge across the world. was obedient to her. Because antiquity raised both of these women to divinity and honors equally, it seemed sufficient to record the talents of both under just one name.

By Pollux! original: "edepol"; an ancient Roman oath expressing emphasis. I know not whether to praise or curse the inventions of these women. For who would condemn the gathering of those who once wandered in the forests? Who would condemn men being led out from the groves and into the city? Who would condemn those living in the manner of wild beasts being called forth to a better harvest? Who would condemn acorns In ancient lore, humans were said to have survived on acorns before the "invention" of grain. being changed into crops, by which limbs grow more vigorous and clear, and which provide nourishment more suited for human use? Who would condemn a world—once obstructed by decay, briars, and disordered thickets—being turned toward cultivation, beauty, and public utility? Who would condemn a rude age turned into a civilized one? Who would condemn minds stirred from idleness into contemplation? Who would condemn torpid strengths formerly hidden in caves being drawn into urban or rustic exercise, by which so many cities were enlarged...