Sacrifices, Mantis

Question 1

What was the most important activity in greek religon?

Answer 1

A sacrifice

Question 2

Why did the greeks sacrifice to their god?

Answer 2

Honour them
Thank them
Request a favour

Question 3

What sort of animals were offered to the gods?

Answer 3

Sheep
Goats
Pigs
Cattle
Fish
Birds

Question 4

What were the strict guidelines that were carried out during a sacrifice?

Answer 4

1) Decorate animal with flowers and garlands
2) Animal was led in a procession to the sanctuary of the god
3) Participants washed their hands in water and sprinkled some on the animal
4) The priest recited a prayer declaring the reason for the sacrifice
5) The sacrificial animal was killed quickly by having its neck cut with a knife, but large animals were first stunned by a blow from an axe
6) the dead animals blood was splattered over the alter in the sanctuary
7) assistants butchered the animal and divided the meat in three ways

Question 5

What were the three ways the sacrificial animal was butchered and divided by assistants?

Answer 5

1. Thighbones wrapped in fat, places on the alter and burned as a gift to the gods. Wine was poured on the burnt offerings and the smoke read for omens
2. Entrails (liver, lungs, heart etc.) inspected for omens, then roasted and shared among the people
3. The rest of the meat was boiled and either eaten at the alter or taken home

Question 6

What was Mantis?

Answer 6

The greeks believed they could see the will of the gods and foretell the future
The practice involved interpretation of signs and omens

Question 7

What were Manteis?

Answer 7

Professional soothsayers
Full time religious professionals
Had big reputation and enormous political power

Question 8

How did Greeks perform soothsaying/fortelling the will of the gods?

Answer 8

1. Entrails of animals
2. Dreams e.g. Epidauros
3. Flight of birds (Augurs)