women and religion

• What were the main roles of a Greek priestess?

  Looking after worship places and leading rituals
• How did Greek priestesses obtain their roles?

  Through election, lottery, or inheritance
• How long did many roles as priestesses last?

  Only lasted a year
• What were sacrifices used for in Greek religion?

  To thank, ask favors, or seek advice
• What could priestesses do with part of the sacrifices?

  Keep part of the sacrifices for themselves
• What was the role of prophetesses in Greek religion?

  To interpret the corpse of sacrificed animals
• How could well-respected priestesses and prophetesses influence society?

  They could have political influence
• Who was the most important prophetess in Greece?

  The Pythia
• Why did Greeks travel to see the Pythia?

  To hear prophecies spoken through her
• What did Romans believe about prayers from modest women?

  They were especially powerful
• What was the Patrician Pudicitia?

  A cult celebrating sexual modesty
• Who could participate in the Patrician Pudicitia cult?

  Only respectful women from the patrician class
• What did plebian women create when excluded from the Patrician Pudicitia?

  The Plebia Pudicita cult
• What does the Pudicitia Statue of a Woman represent?

  The ideal of sexual modesty
• What was unique about the worship of Bona Dea?

  Only women could participate
• What was the role of the Vestal Virgins in Roman religion?

  Responsible for the Temple of Vesta
• What was the House of the Vestal Virgins?

  A palace in the center of Rome
• What happened if the Flaminica Dialis or her husband died?

  They lost their positions
• What were the Sibylline Books?

  Writings of the mythic prophetess Sibyl
• How did the roles of women in Roman religion differ from those in Greek religion?

  Most priesthoods were men in Rome
• What were the key festivals and their significance for Greek women?

  • Panathenaia: Celebrated Athena’s birthday; women made robes.
  • Thesmophoria: Celebrated Demeter; only married women participated.
  • Worship of Dionysus: Maenads experienced ecstasy through music and dance.
• What were the stages of the Euoi Rites?

  1. Day 1: Prepare and wash the body.
  2. Day 2: Mourn with extreme grief.
  3. Day 3: Procession, burial, and final feast.
• What are the key terms related to women and religion in ancient Greece and Rome?

  • Apollo: Greek god.
  • Bona Dea: Roman goddess worshipped by women.
  • Dionysus: Greek god.
  • Vestal Virgins: Roman priestesses.
  • Pythia: Important Greek prophetess.