Lesson 1- Priests and Priestesses

Question 1

Who could become a priest In Ancient Greece?

Answer 1

In theory, anyone could become a priest in Ancient Greece

Question 2

what is the difference between a modern priest and an Ancient Greek priest?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

what were the main tasks of Ancient Greek priests?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

who were Ancient Greek priests usually employed by?

Answer 4

Priests were usually employed by the city, performing rituals at specific civic occassions and assisting the magistrates

Question 5

what was the role of a special oracular priest?

Answer 5

They interpreted a diety’s oracles when the city sought the god’s advice, but did not have any direct political significance

Question 6

In Athens what was the role of the Archon Basileus?

Answer 6

In Athens, the Archon Basileus was in charge of all religious matters but individual priests and priestesses were employed for each deity.

Question 7

why would anyone wish to become a priest in Ancient Greece?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

what were priests Vs priestesses employed for and what were the exceptions?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

what were the three basic ways to achieve a priesthood in Ancient Greece?

Answer 9

-Inheritance
-by lot
-through purchase

Question 10

How did someone gain priesthood from inheritance?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

How did someone gain priesthood by lot?

Answer 11

Priests could be elected by lot or vote on an annual basis

Question 12

How did someone gain priesthood through purchase?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

who was the hierophant?

Answer 13

The chief priest at the Eleusinian mysteries

Question 14

who was the Dadouchos?

Answer 14

The torchbearer, the second most important priest in the Eleusinian mysteries, drawn down from the family of Kerykes.

Question 15

At Eleusis, what did the Eumolpidae provide?

Answer 15

the hierophants for the mysteries (the most important priest in the Eleusinian mysteries)

Question 16

who do the Eumolpidae trace their heritage to?

Answer 16

King Eumolopos, who was introduced to the Eleusinian mysteries by the goddess herself

Question 17

who do the Kerykes trace their heritage to?

Answer 17

they trace their lineage back to Keryx, the first mythological priest of Demeter at Eleusis

Question 18

who did the Kerykes provide in the Eleusinian mysteries?

Answer 18

The dadouchos, who would provide light at the ceremony/ the procession at Eleusis

Question 19

what was the most important female priesthood in Ancient Greece?

Answer 19

The priestess of Athena Polias- her significance is shown through the fact she appeared alongside the most important political officials

Question 20

Where did the priestess of Athene Polias trace from?

Answer 20

The eteoboutadae

Question 21

where do we see the Priestess of Athena polias and the Archon Basileus together in the parthenon?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

religion was…

Answer 22

perhaps the only area in Ancient Greek society where women were clearly visible and had an actual influence in society

Question 23

what parts of religious festivals did women usually take part in?

Answer 23

they usually took part in the administration of sacred rites, and led the procession that attracted worshippers

Question 24

what religious festival did women organise on their own?

Answer 24

The Thesmophoria

Question 25

what was the Thesmophoria?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

who was the Thesmophoria festival restricted to?

Answer 26

It was restricted to Adult women and the rites practised were kept a secret from men who were forbidden to learn of the rites

Question 27

what is unclear about the Thesmophoria?

Answer 27

Whether the festival was open to all women or purely just aristocratic women

Question 28

Who could perform sacrifice in Ancient Greece?

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Who could conduct rituals in Ancient Greece?

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

What else were priests responsible for?

Answer 30

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.