From left to right: An artists representation of the temple of Zuess, painting of libation, and animal sacrifice.
Ceremonies and Ways of Worshiping
Greeks worshiped their gods at temples (the Greek word for temple is Naos- meaning dwelling place of the gods). The temple was the place where on special occasions; the religion took on a more formal tone. In all major Greek communities, gods were worshiped at temples or other sacred sites. The ceremonies were carried out by priests and their attendants.
At first, sacred sites were merely a simple altar in a designated area, but over time, huge temples were built in honour of a particular god. The temples often had a statue of the deity they were built for, for example the famous statue of Zeus at Olympia, which still stands today. Oftentimes, smaller temples for lesser gods were built around the main temple, creating a large sacred complex. The sacred area (called temenos) was separated from the rest of the community by a large symbolic gate or propylon. Sacred sites would receive donations of buildings, statues, and fountains to celebrate a military victory or give thanks to the gods.
Despite the large amount of effort that went into building and maintaining temples, they weren’t actually used for religious practices. These were carried out at an altar outside of the temple. Historians do not know much of the ceremonies that happened in Ancient Greece, because interestingly, Greek authors show reluctance to give details of religious ceremonies, as if they were to sacred to be published. However, we do know the most common rituals were sacrifice of animals and libation (the pouring of wine or other liquid in honour of a god.) The animals sacrificed usually pigs, sheep, goats or cows. The animals were always the same gender as the god that was being honoured. The killing of the animal was done by a butcher or cook (megeiras), while a young girl placed seeds on the animal’s head. This was symbolic of life and regeneration.
Greeks worshiped their gods at temples (the Greek word for temple is Naos- meaning dwelling place of the gods). The temple was the place where on special occasions; the religion took on a more formal tone. In all major Greek communities, gods were worshiped at temples or other sacred sites. The ceremonies were carried out by priests and their attendants.
At first, sacred sites were merely a simple altar in a designated area, but over time, huge temples were built in honour of a particular god. The temples often had a statue of the deity they were built for, for example the famous statue of Zeus at Olympia, which still stands today. Oftentimes, smaller temples for lesser gods were built around the main temple, creating a large sacred complex. The sacred area (called temenos) was separated from the rest of the community by a large symbolic gate or propylon. Sacred sites would receive donations of buildings, statues, and fountains to celebrate a military victory or give thanks to the gods.
Despite the large amount of effort that went into building and maintaining temples, they weren’t actually used for religious practices. These were carried out at an altar outside of the temple. Historians do not know much of the ceremonies that happened in Ancient Greece, because interestingly, Greek authors show reluctance to give details of religious ceremonies, as if they were to sacred to be published. However, we do know the most common rituals were sacrifice of animals and libation (the pouring of wine or other liquid in honour of a god.) The animals sacrificed usually pigs, sheep, goats or cows. The animals were always the same gender as the god that was being honoured. The killing of the animal was done by a butcher or cook (megeiras), while a young girl placed seeds on the animal’s head. This was symbolic of life and regeneration.