religion: priests and prophets

how were they appointed?

by birth (Archaic)

• in Athens, held role for life, always from same genus

• aristocracy held a role as children, could move up in importance

by sale (Hellenistic)

• esp in Asia Minor

• purchase the priesthood, hold the role for life.

• exempt from tax, role of eurgetism

• sacrifices etc could be done in their absence

by lot/election (Classical)

• annual tenure?

• could be from all Athenians

• but in some cases eg. Daphnephoros from aristocratic kids?

Priests

less about specialisation, more about holy stuff

no knowledge divide of the gods, only practical side

no consistent idea, essentially an overseer (Aristotle)

qualifications: age/gender

Roles: physical upkeep, financing, sacrifice calender, curses, purification

females: for male gods eg. Pythia, unsure on how chosen

Manteis

travelling, specialised priest

may settle in areas or with armies (entrails pre battle)

traced credibility to certain famous genus of seers eg. Iamtai

chresmologi

interpreters of oracles

financial motivations?

derogatory terms

Plato- mistrust

Thucydides- failed Athenian Sicilian expedition blames them?