classics greek religion

• Who was Asclepius in Homer’s Iliad?

  A hero taught by the centaur Chiron
• Who were the parents of Asclepius?

  Son of Apollo and Trokkaian
• How was Asclepius perceived after his death?

  As a god with divine powers
• Who were the children of Asclepius?

  Hygieia, Panacea, Iaso, Aigle
• Why did Asclepius’ cult gain popularity?

  He was a healer during times of illness
• When did the worship of Asclepius begin?

  In the sixth century BC
• What happened to Asclepius’ cult during epidemics?

  His worship soared and expanded
• What is the Asclepieion at Epidaurus known for?

  A center for healing a wide range of illnesses
• What was the Sanctuary of Asclepius on Kos used for?

  A school for physicians
• What were the characteristics of Asclepions?

  • Combined worship with practical cures
  • Panhellenic, attracting visitors from all over Greece
  • Located outside urban centers for healthy environments
  • Strict rules about preserving nature within precincts
• What was the process of visiting an Asclepion?

  Involved purification, offerings, and incubation
• What was incubation in the context of Asclepius’ cult?

  Sleeping in the sanctuary for healing
• How were cures received during incubation?

  Through dreams, surgery, or prescriptions
• What do votive inscriptions express?

  Gratitude for miraculous recoveries
• Who was Ambrosia in the context of Asclepius’ miracles?

  A woman cured of blindness by Asclepius
• What was the significance of the oracle at Dodona?

  It was the oldest oracular sanctuary in Greece
• What did the oracle at Dodona focus on?

  An oracular oak tree
• What was the original structure of the oracle at Dodona?

  A simple tree sanctuary
• What did inquirers do at Dodona?

  Scratched questions onto lead tablets
• What were the problems with the oracle tablets?

  They lacked context and were fragmented
• What was the Eleusinian Mysteries known for?

  Being the best-known mystery cult in Greece
• Who could be initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries?

  Anyone who spoke Greek and had no serious crimes
• What was the punishment for revealing the secrets of the Eleusinian Mysteries?

  Death penalty
• What did the Eleusinian Mysteries incorporate into Athenian religion?

  Part of the sacred religious calendar
• What was the historical background of the Eleusinian Mysteries?

  Founded after Persephone's abduction
• What did Demeter do after losing Persephone?

  She searched for her using torches
• What was the Telesterion?

  A building for initiation ceremonies
• What was involved in the initiation ceremony of the Eleusinian Mysteries?

  Included cleansing, fasting, and sacrifices
• What were the key elements of the Eleusinian Mysteries festival?

  • Lesser Mysteries in spring, Great Mysteries in autumn
  • Procession from Agora to Eleusis
  • Rituals included purification, sacrifices, and reenactments
  • Community involvement and secrecy
• What was the purpose of the epopteia in the Eleusinian Mysteries?

  To reveal the secret to initiates
• What does the term 'mystes' refer to?

  An initiate in a mystery cult
• What is a hierophant?

  The leading priest at the Eleusinian Mysteries
• What is the significance of the Ninnion Tablet?

  It depicts the initiation rites at Eleusis
• What does the term 'votive offering' mean?

  A gift to a deity in gratitude
• What was the role of Iacchus in the Eleusinian Mysteries?

  He led the procession during the rituals
• How did the Eleusinian Mysteries influence Greek society?

  They fostered community and secrecy
• What was the expected appearance of men and women in the cult?

  Men appeared darker; women appeared lighter
• Who leads the procession in the cult?

  Iacchus
• What does Persephone hold during the procession?

  A libation bowl or vessel for kykeon
• Where is Demeter depicted sitting?

  On the Mirthless Rock