The Sanctuary was initially located in 2006, situated 150 meters east of the ancient Stadium and near the facilities of the International Olympic Academy.
The revelation came as a result of a random event: a technical contract for the construction of a pipeline intended to carry water from the Erymanthos river to Pyrgos.
When the asphalt pavement was removed, the Sanctuary was identified at a depth of two and a half meters, while Roman baths also came to light nearby (to the east).
The building uncovered had a rectangular plan, constructed from shelly poros stone, and its initial phase is dated to the 5th century B.C., although it was never completed.
Demeter Chamyne is an old chthonic deity. Her epithet, Chamyne, has been interpreted in various ways, primarily meaning “sitting on the ground”.
Another interpretation suggests the name derives from ‘chamai + eune, meaning “lying or sleeping on the earth”. According to Pausanias, some believed the name was old and signified that the earth gaped open for Hades’ chariot to pass and then closed up once more.
This deity was a prehistoric divinity associated with the vegetation and the fecundity of the earth, functions that Artemis may have also assumed.
The identification of the Sanctuary with the cult of Demeter Chamyne was confirmed by a multitude of movable finds related to Demeter’s worship, such as clay and bronze vessels, and figurines.
Among the common finds (such as figurines of women, cattle, pigs, and protomes), the most significant and unique finding was a terracotta figurine of a two-headed Kerberos, holding popana (cakes) in its mouth.
This Kerberos, serving as an offering to Hades, the king of the Underworld, confirmed the chthonic nature of the worship.
The identification was further supported by an inscription incised on the chest of a large-scale Kerberos figurine, which mentioned Demeter, Kore (Persephone), and the King (Hades).
The worship of the goddess was closely integrated into the practices observed at Olympia, specifically the Olympic Games.
The priestess of Demeter Chamyne was the only married woman permitted to watch the athletic events.
She sat next to her stone altar, which was located on the left side (the north bank) of the ancient Stadium.
Notably, during the Roman Era, this office was held by Regilla, the wife of Herodes Atticus. It is even suggested that the running race (dromos) may have been held in honor of the goddess.
The excavation work in the area of the Sanctuary resulted in the creation of a large trench with nearly vertical slopes, which functioned as a catch basin for rainwater.
As part of the sub-project “Protection and Enhancement of the Sanctuary of Demeter Chamyne,” significant engineering works were implemented, such as the stabilization of the northern slope of the trench using a wall of reinforced concrete and micro-piles.
Furthermore, a perimeter drainage system was constructed to manage rainwater runoff.
