Greek Death And Burial

Question 1

Preparation of the body

Answer 1

Once the person had died. Their eyes and mouth were closed.
They were washed and perfumed and covered with a white shroud
A coin would be placed on the mouth for payment for Charon

Question 2

Prosthesis

Answer 2

Body places in atrium for 2 days
So family and friends can pay their respects
Bowl of water placed outside the home so ppl could wash as they left to remove pollution
Women would lament

Question 3

Ekphora

Answer 3

Procession from house to burial ground.
If wealthy, the deceased would be carried by pallbearers or on a wagon
Family of deceased would be in attendance
Accompanied by aulos players

Question 4

Burial

Answer 4

Outside city to remove pollution
Kermeikos
Cremation: body placed on pyre and lit. Ash collected in an urn and given to the family.
To assist the deceased in their journey grave gifts would be given. Or food
A stele would be suspended, in honour of deceased.

Question 5

Why was a stele important

Answer 5

So deceaseds grave wasn’t neglected, as it wld dishonour the family

Question 6

What happened to blood of deceased

Answer 6

Dripped onto ground as an offering to Hades and Persephone

Question 7

What were the celebrations of the deceased. A

Answer 7

Athenestria: a festival in honour of Dionysus and Hermes, that celebrated the deceased through offerings, libations and wine. Lasted 3 days in late Jan or early Feb

Question 8

What were the celebrations of the deceased. G

Answer 8

Genesia. Blood sacrifice made to ancestors. The stele and graves were decorated in ribbons.