Death and Burial, 1.7, Greek Flashcards
What is the order of the 5 steps of death?
Dead people eat boiled rice
Death, prothesis, ekphora, burial, remember
What happened once a person died?
Their eyes and mouth were closed; they were washed, perfumed and wrapped in a white shroud; put a coin on the mouth
Definition of prothesis
During the preparation of the body in the Greek world, the deceased would be laid out for two days to receive mourners
Definition of lament
A passionate expression of grief or sorrow
What was placed outside the house? Why?
A bowl of water to remove pollution
How did the women show their lament?
Cut air, dress in shabby black clothing, wail beside deceased, beat chests, flail arms
Definition of ekphora
The funeral procession in ancient Greece
When does the ekphora take place? Where from and to?
Before dawn on the third day from the house of the dead to the burial ground.
What was the deceased carried on in the ekphora? Who took part in the procession?
Depending on wealth, wagon or pallbearers. Women, children, and men from family, and autos player
Definition of Kerameikos
An area of Athens that included the main burial ground outside the city.
Where are the dead buried? Why?
Kerameikos, outside city so no pollution inside, and to prevent diseases.
How would a body be cremated?
A pyre was built and the deceased laid on top, then lit. Ash would be collected in an urn and given to family. This was placed in a shrine or grave. Burial gifts were added to the grave. A stele may be set up for the deceased depending on wealth.
Why were stelai important?
So the deceased wasn’t forgotten, and didn’t dishonour the family
What happened after the dead was buried or cremated?
A sacrifice. Blood of victim was released on earth as offering to Hades and Persephone
How long was the mourning period after the burial?
Thirty days
