19, September 2007 Sacred Space in Ancient Greece Idea of the sacred o Underlying idea that world composed of two domains Profane: every day use Sacred: that which is for special use of is off limits o Sacred speech (or silence: euphemi) Metrical (dactylic hexameter) Special vocabulary (cult titles, secret words) o Animals (sacrificial, taboo) Distinguished from herd (special markings) Not sacrificed: fish; bull generally in post-BA Greece o Space (limited access) Natural features: caves, hilltops, springs Consecrated: by mythical event; by decree Ex: ground struck by lightning Defining sacred space o Hieron ("sacred"): place or thing used for ritual (temporary, permanent) o Temenos: sacred space "cut off" from profane space o Periboulos: boundary around temenos Shrines (gods, hero cult) Horoi: icons, images that distinguish the periboulos (ex: Herms) o Social customs associated with sacred space Taboos: sex, birth, death, dirt, violence (bie) Reverence: omniscience of deity o Example of sacred space: Athenian agora Ringed by horoi, shrines Government buildings, burials excluded from temenos Ancient Greek temples o Megaron: basic pattern Derived from BA palaces Via EIA rulers' dwellings Expansion of temple = extension of megaron 8th century: stone replaces timber Other additions: roof tiles; columns (Egypt) o Functions of a temple House cult image, votives (impress visitors) o Altar: outside temple Where congregation meets, sacrifices performed o Symbolism: largest, most expensive building in polis Cp. Roman, medieval, modern cities: government buildings, stadium, cathedral, office etc. buildings, o Parts of the temple (separation of sacred space) Roof (standard size 100 ft, hekatompedon)
Pronaos: porch, entryway Naos: main room, location of cult image Opisthodomos (or adyton), epinaos: rear chambers Types of ancient Greek temples o "orders": kinds of temples distinguished by their columns NOT specific to regions, deities Represent fusions of regional styles (uniformity amid diversity) o Doric order Earliest temples (ex: Samian Heraion) Simplicity: evolution from wood to stone Massive masonry; no column base; flute; simple capital o Ionic order Appear after Doric Increased ornamentation More slender columns; bases; flutes and fillets; volute capital o Corinthian order Later Greek, Roman Most ornate, massive; leaf capital Conclusions o Religion permeates ancient Greek society Evolution of state as political entity reflected in cults, rituals Defines family status, citizenship o Communities defined by participation in shared cult Individual's role in cults reflects in society o Religious authority in ancient Greece is diffuse Overlapping responsibilities, variety of selection procedures o Defining ritual: sacrifice Feedback loop Types: burnt offerings, libations; animals Part of the economy and social fabric of the polis At temples: performed at altar outside o Communication with the divine Ambiguous Mediating figures: prophet, priest/ess, officials, financiers (polis) Individual deities worshipped in many and differing cults o Sacred space organizes the polis Urban/rural sacred axis Temples: religious expression of economic, cultural, political power