Eumolpĭdæ

, the priests of Ceres at the celebration of her festivals of Eleusis. All causes relating to impiety or profanation were referred to their judgment, and their decisions, though occasionally severe, were considered as generally impartial. The Eumolpidæ were descended from Eumolpus, a king of Thrace, who was made priest of Ceres by Erechtheus king of Athens. He became so powerful after his appointment to the priesthood, that he maintained a war against Erechtheus. This war proved fatal to both; Erechtheus and Eumolpus were both killed, and peace was re-established among their descendants, on condition that the priesthood should ever remain in the family of Eumolpus, and the regal power in the house of Erechtheus. The priesthood continued in the family of Eumolpus for 1200 years; and this is still more remarkable, because he who was once appointed to the holy office, was obliged to remain in perpetual celibacy. Pausanias , bk. 2 , ch. 14 .