R E L I G I O U S R O L E O F K I N G SA N D

T H E D E AT H O F A K I N G

RELIGIOUS ROLESSpartan kings carried out sacrifices to their patron gods Zeus Uranious and Zeus Lacedaemon. (Gods of respective families)

Carried out sacrifices on behalf of the people of the city on the 1st and 7th days of the month in the temple of Apollo and Temple of Athens of the Bronze house.

Carried out sacrifices at important annual festivals.

Carried out sacrifices at funerals.

Carried out sacrifices prior to leaving for war to Zeus.

Carried out sacrifices before crossing the frontier to Zeus and Athena.

At dawn on the day of battle a female goat was sacrificed to seek omens and if these omens were favourable they could proceed to the front of Sparta and carried the fire of these sacrifices with them throughout their campaign.

CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS SLIDE

Considered a link between gods and man. Continued to hold position while things went well but could be exiled for failure. Every nine years Ephor’s ‘looked into the sky’ for the gods approval or disapproval.

Consulted appointed two Pythioi (ambassadors of the political organisation of Sparta) to consult oracle at Delphi and consult the oracle at Delphi and present them with the Pythia’s directions.

Responsible for safety of the oracles.

Robert Parker states that “The power of prophecy, the sanctity of sanctuaries and festivals, the threat of divine punishment are all distinctive features of the

Spartan religion.” However what was unique about these typically Greek features was their obedience and devotion.

QUOTATION

“After their deaths, they gain further privileges. Horsemen ride all over Laconia announcing the news of a

king’s death, while women beat on cauldrons as they parade through the city. At the signal, two people from each household (one man and one woman, neither of

whom can be a slave) have to disfigure themselves in the mourning, or else face a heavy fine.” ~ Herodotus “The Histories” [6.58]

DEATH OF A KING CONTINUATION

Women went about the capital banging cauldrons.

One man and woman from each household dressed for mourning.

Spartans, and people from Laconia forced to attend funeral.

All declare that the just deceased king was the best she ever had.

Crowd of Spartiates, Helots and Perioikoi gather and strike their heads and wail.

For ten days following burial of the king, meetings were not permitted for markets or to ordain or to select magistrates.

Horseman travelled all over Laconia informing inhabitants.

Failure to partake in the funeral, ended in heavy penalty!