Funeral Customs of the Ancient Greeks Flashcards
How did the Greeks view death?
Bodily existence under the earth in a kind of underworld
Shadowy afterlife
When did cremation begin to appear in Ancient Greece?
1000 BC
Who influenced the cremation trend?
Germanic Tribes
When was cremation the dominant form of disposition?
700 BC
This was the first record in Greek history tat the soul separates from the body, and only the soul joins the gods
The Cult of Dionysius
Who was the god of wine?
Dionysius
Only a select few souls would pass on to everlasting happiness here
Elysian Fields
Prior to Christian influence, Greeks held a most pessimistic view of an afterlife, with hopelessness and despair prevailing, which is referred to as
Fatalism
This required burial of all, including the corpse of strangers
Law of Athens
What did the law of Athens require?
Burial of all, including the corpse of strangers
What did preparation of the body in Ancient Greece require?
Washing, dressing, anointing with oil, perfumes, and spices, all performed by the females of the family
What was the coin called that was placed in the deceased’s mouth?
Obol
Why was an obol placed in the deceased’s mouth?
To pay the ferryman, Charon, for passage across the River Styx
What is an example of a sumptuary law in the Ancient Greek society?
No more than 3 burial robes could be used - one to cover the bier, one to cover the deceased, and one to cover everything
How long would the deceased be placed in state?
As long as 7 days
Where was the deceased placed in state?
In his or her own home
Why was the wake so important in Ancient Greek society?
A fear of being buried alive
A wake was also known as what?
Death Watch
A honey cake was included with the corpse. Why?
For the three headed dog Cerberus, who guarded the lower regions
What did the procession consist of?
Corpse bearers, often hired
Female blood relations over 16, or any female acquaintance over the age of 60
Fraternity members and any males who wished to participate
Hired dirge singers
Prior to 1000 BC, what was the prominent form of disposition?
Earth burial
From 1000 BC to the time of Christ, what was the prominent form of disposition?
Cremation
By 500 CE, what was the prominent form of disposition?
Earth burial
What was the connection between the Greek and Egyptian death beliefs?
There is no connection
The Greek death belief was primarily
Shade or soul separated from the body
These are the four classifications of Greek tombs
Stelae
Kiones
Trapezae
Naidia
Upright slabs of stone, like a marker or head stone
Stelae (shafts)
A tomb having above ground single or multiple columns
Kiones (Columns)
Similar to an above ground crypt or masoleum; single or multiple interments
Trapezae (Square Cut Tomb)
Owned by one family; Mose elaborate of the Greek tombs, small burial building for multiple Interments
Naidia
Type of raised sculpture projecting from a flat surface
Bas-relief
What was placed inside the tomb or coffin for a celebration of death?
Practical and artistic ornaments, jewels, vessels, wreaths, painted vases, articles of toilet, war, and play
What broke the fast that the bereaved had been keeping since the death of their loved one?
The Funeral Feast
The slaughter of slaves and animals to accompany the deceased in the afterlife
Suttee
The most extreme form of Suttee
The wife and concubines of the deceased are sacrifised
