Lesson 1- Priests and Priestesses Flashcards
Who could become a priest In Ancient Greece?
In theory, anyone could become a priest in Ancient Greece
what is the difference between a modern priest and an Ancient Greek priest?
Ancient priests had to be seers, accountants, dream-interpreters, butchers, doctors and much more in comparison to a modern priest who only has a few roles.
what were the main tasks of Ancient Greek priests?
Ancient priests sometimes had to be seers, dream-interpreters, doctors, butchers, accountants and much more- It all depended on the deity in question and the local peculiarities of the deity’s cult in which they served. Greek priests had to have many skills despite not having any specialist training.
who were Ancient Greek priests usually employed by?
Priests were usually employed by the city, performing rituals at specific civic occassions and assisting the magistrates
what was the role of a special oracular priest?
They interpreted a diety’s oracles when the city sought the god’s advice, but did not have any direct political significance
In Athens what was the role of the Archon Basileus?
In Athens, the Archon Basileus was in charge of all religious matters but individual priests and priestesses were employed for each deity.
why would anyone wish to become a priest in Ancient Greece?
despite the fact that being a priest was an unpaid occupation, many became priests due to the privileges attached, similar to those of politicians. For example:
-Front row seats at the theatre of Dionysus on the slope of the Acropolis
-they received the best cuts of sacrificial meat
-they were highly regarded in society
-it brought with it prestige
what were priests Vs priestesses employed for and what were the exceptions?
Priestesses were employed for female deities, whereas priests were employed for male deities. However, there are exceptions such as for the Pythia in the Delphic oracle
what were the three basic ways to achieve a priesthood in Ancient Greece?
-Inheritance
-by lot
-through purchase
How did someone gain priesthood from inheritance?
The position of certain priesthoods were passed down through the family- these were mostly lifelong and were associated with important civic cults such as Athena Polias and Demeter at Eleusis
How did someone gain priesthood by lot?
Priests could be elected by lot or vote on an annual basis
How did someone gain priesthood through purchase?
Priesthoods could be obtained through purchase - both men and women could pay to be appointed as priests. The cost of a priesthood for women cost far less than a priesthood for a man
who was the hierophant?
The chief priest at the Eleusinian mysteries
who was the Dadouchos?
The torchbearer, the second most important priest in the Eleusinian mysteries, drawn down from the family of Kerykes.
At Eleusis, what did the Eumolpidae provide?
the hierophants for the mysteries (the most important priest in the Eleusinian mysteries)
who do the Eumolpidae trace their heritage to?
King Eumolopos, who was introduced to the Eleusinian mysteries by the goddess herself
who do the Kerykes trace their heritage to?
they trace their lineage back to Keryx, the first mythological priest of Demeter at Eleusis
who did the Kerykes provide in the Eleusinian mysteries?
The dadouchos, who would provide light at the ceremony/ the procession at Eleusis
what was the most important female priesthood in Ancient Greece?
The priestess of Athena Polias- her significance is shown through the fact she appeared alongside the most important political officials
Where did the priestess of Athene Polias trace from?
The eteoboutadae
where do we see the Priestess of Athena polias and the Archon Basileus together in the parthenon?
On the ionic frieze of the parthenon- she appears with the Archon Basileus as he had the peplos dedicated to Athena. This is very important as women were normally excluded from the male sphere of politics.
religion was…
perhaps the only area in Ancient Greek society where women were clearly visible and had an actual influence in society
what parts of religious festivals did women usually take part in?
they usually took part in the administration of sacred rites, and led the procession that attracted worshippers
what religious festival did women organise on their own?
The Thesmophoria
what was the Thesmophoria?
A female citizen only festival, held in honour of Demeter and Persephone, and was celebrated around the time that the seeds were sewn in late autumn as well as the kidnapping of persephone
who was the Thesmophoria festival restricted to?
It was restricted to Adult women and the rites practised were kept a secret from men who were forbidden to learn of the rites
what is unclear about the Thesmophoria?
Whether the festival was open to all women or purely just aristocratic women
Who could perform sacrifice in Ancient Greece?
By anyone who had the means and wish to do so. This meant that even housewives and slaves could perform sacrifices, particularly in smaller groups and within families. They could easily learn the process easily through imitation and involvement in rituals.
Who could conduct rituals in Ancient Greece?
It would have been possible for anyone to perform most rituals. For blood sacrifices, some skills of butchery were required. In many cases, actual butchering was done by a professional assistant rather than a priest.
What else were priests responsible for?
Priests and priestesses were not only responsible for rituals celebrated in the sanctuary, they were appointed at but equally for the physical care of the sanctuary. This included it’s buildings, votive offerings and finances: most sanctuaries served as banks primarily for the state in times of crisis, but also for individuals taking out loans for private matters. Priests were also supposed to collect funding for religious activities and prepare the sacrificed animals.
