Greek religion

What were Greek priests and priestesses called?

hierus and hiereia

which type of priest would attend a god, and which a goddess

Normally a god would be attended by a priest and goddesses would have a priestess

What was the role of Greek Priests?

• temporary role

• undertake and oversee the correct rituals

• assist upkeep of their temple

What is a mantis?

A Greek soothsayer who could read entrails and bird signs to predict the future

What is an augur?

someone who read the flight of birds to predict the future

What would Greeks offer to the Gods?

money, war booty, food and killing animals as a blood sacrifice

What type of sacrifice was a hecatomb?

sacrifice of a 100 oxen, normally happen during a big festival like the Olympics or Great Panathenaia

What 3 parts was the sacrifice made of?

1. Preparation

2. Kill

3. Sharing of the Sacrifice

Describe the preparation of a sacrifice

• all participants would be clean so they don’t pollute the sacrifice

• They would gild the animals horns (cover in a layer of gold)

• They would then lead the animal to the altar

• During the procession there was a maiden with a basket hiding the sacrificial knife

• During the procession musicians would play to keep the animal calm

• After reaching the altar the participants would take a handful of grain and throw it into the fire to confirm their participation

• The Sacrificer would pour water on the animal’s head to try get it to nod, to agree to get sacrificed

Describe the kill of a sacrifice

• Chief sacrificer would cut some of the animal’s hair with the sacrificial knife and throw it into the fire

• Then the animal’s throat was cut

• The animal’s blood was poured over the altar

• After it’s death women would scream to mark the animal’s death

Describe the sharing of the sacrifice?

FEAST

• The God would receive the first portion

• The remaining meat was cut, cooked and shared among the participants and wider community

• After the feast the animal skin would be given to the sanctuary