GREECE

• What did the ancient Greeks worship?

  A pantheon of gods and goddesses
• Why did the Greeks believe they needed to honor their gods?

  To receive favor for individuals or cities
• How could women participate in public religious rituals?

  By being involved in worship and offerings
• What was a priestess referred to as in ancient Greece?

  Hiereia
• Who typically served male gods in ancient Greece?

  Priests
• What was the general requirement for priests and priestesses in ancient Greece?

  They had no extensive training or responsibilities
• How were many priesthoods obtained in ancient Greece?

  By election, lottery, or inheritance
• What were the main roles of a priestess?

  Overseeing the sanctuary and presiding at sacrifices
• What financial benefits did priestesses receive?

  They were salaried positions, often well-paid
• What does the story of the priestess of Athena Polias illustrate about their power?

  They could influence even kings
• What was one of the most important ways Greeks honored their gods?

  Through sacrifice
• What types of offerings were common in Greek sacrifices?

  Figurines, food, and animal sacrifices
• Who directed the ritual during animal sacrifices?

  The priestess
• What was the significance of the ritual cry "ololyge"?

  It marked the transition from life to death
• Why was the communal feast after a sacrifice significant?

  Meat was a luxury in ancient Greece
• What was the role of a mantis in Greek sacrifices?

  To interpret messages from the gods
• How did a mantis interpret the gods' approval of a sacrifice?

  By examining the entrails of the animal
• What other methods were used to divine messages from the gods?

  Interpreting bird flight patterns and weather changes
• What was the significance of a well-respected mantis?

  They could wield great political power
• Who was the most important mantis in ancient Greece?

  The Pythia
• Where did the Pythia reside?

  At the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
• What was the Pythia believed to be able to do?

  Dispense prophecies from Apollo
• What was the process for obtaining a prophecy from the Pythia?

  Men made sacrifices and asked questions
• What did the Pythia do to prepare for giving a prophecy?

  Bathed in sacred water and burned offerings
• How did the Pythia become intoxicated?

  By inhaling smoke from burning offerings
• What happened after the Pythia became intoxicated?

  She mumbled answers interpreted by priests
• What are the two theories about the identity of the Pythia?

  She was a peasant woman or a virgin maiden
• What was required of the Pythia once chosen?

  To live modestly and remain a virgin
• What happened when a Pythia could no longer serve?

  A new woman would be chosen to replace her
• Why might an Athenian woman want to be a priestess?

  • Gain respect and influence
  • Participate in public life
  • Receive financial benefits
  • Fulfill religious duties
• How important were prophets and oracles in Greece?

  • Provided guidance on important matters
  • Consulted for military and political decisions
  • Helped remove religious pollution
  • Influenced societal norms and beliefs
• What was a day in the life of the Pythia like?

  • Bathed in sacred water
  • Prepared offerings for Apollo
  • Sat on a stool to give prophecies
  • Interpreted by priests