Perhaps, the humble bean holds more power than we imagine. We are standing near the site of the shrine of Kyamites. This is a hero of ancient Greek religion. He was locally worshiped in Athens.
Kyamites! His name means “Bean-Man”. He was the demi-god of bean cultivation. More specifically he was the god of the broad bean. Imagine a deity for beans. It highlights their importance to ancient Greeks.
The shrine of Kyamites was a simple sanctuary. It was located on the road from Athens to Eleusis. Pausanias wrote about it in the 2nd century AD. He was a Greek traveler. He said it was a small temple. It was dedicated to Kyamites.
Pausanias wasn’t sure why Kyamites was honored. Was he the first to sow beans? Or was he a hero named after them? He suggests those initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries would understand. They or those who read Orphica know.
Kyamites was sometimes depicted. He was among the Eleusinian companions of Demeter. This was found in Athenian vase-painting and sculpture. Some believe Kyamites may have been another name for Hades. Hades is the god of the underworld.
Beans also had a market connection. Plutarch mentions a bean market. It was near the sanctuary. This market was called “kyamites”. It reinforces Kyamites’ connection to beans. Some interpret his name. It means “god of the beans and patron of the bean market”.
Shrines were simpler than temples. They typically had an enclosure and an altar. There might have been a statue. It depicted the god or hero. Sacrifices were placed inside. These could be blood offerings. Animal meat burned while pouring wine. Bloodless offerings were also made. These included vegetables and fruits.
Though details are scarce, Kyamites’ existence shows something. It shows the significance of agriculture. Even a simple bean had divine importance. As you leave remember Kyamites. He is a reminder of the power of simple things.