Ancient Greek Religion

Question 1

Gods and Humans

Answer 1

• Belief of humans no important, actions (rituals) matter
• Gods demand human acknowledgement and respect of power - immortal
• No general moral code made by gods, but they can be offended by human action
• Offerings for support
• No scriptures, no caste, no central authority
• Give and take relationship

Question 2

Cult Practice and Religion

Answer 2

• Not a creed
• Afterlife not a main concern- focused on living life and improving it
• Religion rested on acceptance of the practice, and natural order of things

Question 3

Cult and Politics

Answer 3

Both looked after community
relationships vary

-Not distinct, personnel overlapped

Question 4

Animal Sacrifices

Answer 4

• Most important activity
• Represents and renovates relationship and hierarchy between animals, humans and gods
• Burn part of the animal, gods enjoy the meal through smoke
• Libations non-violent, pouring milk, wine, honey, etc.

Question 5

Prometheus

Answer 5

Founding myth of sacrifice

-Trick animals into nodding head (consent) - so its not murdering the animal

Question 6

Space of Public religion

Answer 6

Sanctuaries
-Reserved exclusively for gods

• Set limits
• Altars, sometimes temples and others communal

Question 7

Religion and the Polis

Answer 7

• Connects family groups, community
• Citizenship also meant koinonia (community of the cults)
• Greek cities had many cults and gods but 1 patron owner/protector
• All gods together guarantee security
• City summoned all gods in crisis
• Room for individual religion beyond public cults
• Used religion for everything

Question 8

Religion and Democracy

Answer 8

Connection is indirect

No gods/cults considered typical

Kleisthenes’ civic units were also religious unites (enhanced idea of community via participation) - sharing sacrificial meat in tribe

Entertainment, culture, meat

Democracy and Religion = good!

Question 9

Religion and the People

Answer 9

10 citizens - 1 from each tribe, chosen from boule - organized

Heropoloi - appointed by boule - sacrifices

Wore robe for Athena by 2 groups of women

Elderly citizens could be branch bearers

Metics (non-athenians) - silver and bronze trays of offerings

Procession - city gates, across agora

Question 10

Role of Sanctuaries

Answer 10

Heiron -> holy separate from normal dealings (offerings never leave the building)

Meson: middle place, common place for city, turned into banks, control valuables belonging to the gods