Ancient Greek Religion Flashcards

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1
Q

Gods and Humans

A
  • Belief of humans no important, actions (rituals) matter
  • Gods demand human acknowledgement and respect of power - immortal
  • No general moral code made by gods, but they can be offended by human action
  • Offerings for support
  • No scriptures, no caste, no central authority
  • Give and take relationship
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2
Q

Cult Practice and Religion

A
  • Not a creed
  • Afterlife not a main concern- focused on living life and improving it
  • Religion rested on acceptance of the practice, and natural order of things
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3
Q

Cult and Politics

A

Both looked after community
relationships vary

-Not distinct, personnel overlapped

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4
Q

Animal Sacrifices

A
  • Most important activity
  • Represents and renovates relationship and hierarchy between animals, humans and gods
  • Burn part of the animal, gods enjoy the meal through smoke
  • Libations non-violent, pouring milk, wine, honey, etc.
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5
Q

Prometheus

A

Founding myth of sacrifice

-Trick animals into nodding head (consent) - so its not murdering the animal

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6
Q

Space of Public religion

A

Sanctuaries
-Reserved exclusively for gods

  • Set limits
  • Altars, sometimes temples and others communal
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7
Q

Religion and the Polis

A
  • Connects family groups, community
  • Citizenship also meant koinonia (community of the cults)
  • Greek cities had many cults and gods but 1 patron owner/protector
  • All gods together guarantee security
  • City summoned all gods in crisis
  • Room for individual religion beyond public cults
  • Used religion for everything
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8
Q

Religion and Democracy

A

Connection is indirect

No gods/cults considered typical

Kleisthenes’ civic units were also religious unites (enhanced idea of community via participation) - sharing sacrificial meat in tribe

Entertainment, culture, meat

Democracy and Religion = good!

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9
Q

Religion and the People

A

10 citizens - 1 from each tribe, chosen from boule - organized

Heropoloi - appointed by boule - sacrifices

Wore robe for Athena by 2 groups of women

Elderly citizens could be branch bearers

Metics (non-athenians) - silver and bronze trays of offerings

Procession - city gates, across agora

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10
Q

Role of Sanctuaries

A

Heiron -> holy separate from normal dealings (offerings never leave the building)

Meson: middle place, common place for city, turned into banks, control valuables belonging to the gods

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