1.5 WOMEN AND RELIGION

Question 1

What were typical duties of an Athenian priestess?

Answer 1

• Looking after the sanctuary and the buildings inside it
• Supervising the work of the temple attendants as they care for the cult statue
• Presiding over sacrifices

Question 2

What is the Greek word for a prophet or soothsayer?

Answer 2

Mantis

Question 3

The Pythia (also known as the Delphic oracle) was a priestess of which god?

Answer 3

Apollo

Question 4

The Panathenaic procession culminated with the people of Athens giving what to the goddess Athena?

Answer 4

A new peplos

Question 5

In what location did Athenian women celebrate the festival of the Thesmophoria?

Answer 5

The Pnyx

Question 6

What is the Greek word for the procession of a dead body from the deceased’s house to the burial site?

Answer 6

Ekphora

Question 7

How many Vestal Virgins were there at any one time?

Answer 7

6

Question 8

What would happen to a Vestal Virgin who had been found guilty of losing her virginity?

Answer 8

She would be buried alive

Question 9

Which of the following is the best definition of “pudicitia”?

Answer 9

Sexual Modesty

Question 10

The Sibylline Books contained prophecies from a famous sibyl who claimed to have been inspired by which god?

Answer 10

Apollo