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What responsibilities did priests have in ancient Greek temples?
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Greek mythology
Oil on canvas by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, c. 1760; in the National Gallery, London.
In ancient Greece, there was no formal, hierarchical clergy or distinct priestly caste separated from the rest of society. Instead, priesthoods were often ancestral prerogatives, and individuals serving in these roles were not viewed as mediators between gods and humans.12
Priests and priestesses were attached to specific temples or shrines, where their responsibilities included:
- Performing Rituals: They provided professional assistance during sacrifices, which were the principal proof of piety. Priests and worshippers typically shared the meat of the animal offerings after the gods received their portion.13
- Administering Cults: Some oversaw specific sacred tasks, such as washing the robes of deities or officiating at altars.1
- Civic and Administrative Duties: Because religious and secular spheres were not sharply divided, priests often held civic roles, such as magistrates. Their duties were frequently similar to those of a household member managing everyday affairs, though they could exert significant influence if they were distinguished or wise in their capacities.12
- Managing Mysteries: At sites like Eleusis, priests administered complex rites, including revealing sacred mysteries to initiates.13