11. Spartan Religion
• In the ancient world the Spartans were
known for their serious attitude towards
religion and their obedience to the Gods.
12. Spartan Religion
• In the ancient world the Spartans were
known for their serious attitude towards
religion and their obedience to the Gods.
13. Spartan Religion
• In the ancient world the Spartans were
known for their serious attitude towards
religion and their obedience to the Gods.
• Their strict adherence to religious ritual
caused them to be mocked by other
Greek states.
15. Spartan Religion
• Religion in Sparta was a way of bringing the community
together and uniting the gods with the everyday social
and political institutions of the Spartan state.
16. Spartan Religion
• Religion in Sparta was a way of bringing the community
together and uniting the gods with the everyday social
and political institutions of the Spartan state.
17. Spartan Religion
• Religion in Sparta was a way of bringing the community
together and uniting the gods with the everyday social
and political institutions of the Spartan state.
• The fact that the kings served as chief priests reinforces
this amalgamation of religion and government.
18. Spartan Religion
• Religion in Sparta was a way of bringing the community
together and uniting the gods with the everyday social
and political institutions of the Spartan state.
• The fact that the kings served as chief priests reinforces
this amalgamation of religion and government.
19. Spartan Religion
• Religion in Sparta was a way of bringing the community
together and uniting the gods with the everyday social
and political institutions of the Spartan state.
• The fact that the kings served as chief priests reinforces
this amalgamation of religion and government.
• Major festivals celebrated by the Spartans included
those common to other Greek city states, along with
festivals peculiar to the Spartans.
23. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
24. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
25. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
26. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
27. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
• The combining of the two deities produced Artemis Orthia, goddess of the hunt
and wild animals.
28. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
• The combining of the two deities produced Artemis Orthia, goddess of the hunt
and wild animals.
29. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
• The combining of the two deities produced Artemis Orthia, goddess of the hunt
and wild animals.
• The sanctuary of Artemis Orthia was near the Eurotas River outside the centre
of Sparta.
30. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
• The combining of the two deities produced Artemis Orthia, goddess of the hunt
and wild animals.
• The sanctuary of Artemis Orthia was near the Eurotas River outside the centre
of Sparta.
31. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
• The combining of the two deities produced Artemis Orthia, goddess of the hunt
and wild animals.
• The sanctuary of Artemis Orthia was near the Eurotas River outside the centre
of Sparta.
• The festival of Artemis Orthia consisted of young Spartan boys trying to steal
cheese from the goddess’s altar as it was defended by older youths who
whipped the younger boys.
32. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
• The combining of the two deities produced Artemis Orthia, goddess of the hunt
and wild animals.
• The sanctuary of Artemis Orthia was near the Eurotas River outside the centre
of Sparta.
• The festival of Artemis Orthia consisted of young Spartan boys trying to steal
cheese from the goddess’s altar as it was defended by older youths who
whipped the younger boys.
33. Gods and Goddesses
1. Artemis Orthia
• Artemis – goddess of fertility and childbirth, protector of children and women’s
health. Associated with forests and is sometimes called the 'mistress of the wild’
• Orthia – was an earlier Spartan goddess about whom little is known.
• The combining of the two deities produced Artemis Orthia, goddess of the hunt
and wild animals.
• The sanctuary of Artemis Orthia was near the Eurotas River outside the centre
of Sparta.
• The festival of Artemis Orthia consisted of young Spartan boys trying to steal
cheese from the goddess’s altar as it was defended by older youths who
whipped the younger boys.
• This ritual has been interpreted by some as a rite of passage (test of courage/
aggression). According to Pausanias, the goddess was not satisfied until her
altar was soaked with blood of the cheese thieves.
34. Bone fibula catch-plate, 660 B.C., Laconian
workshop. The goddess Artemis is
represented as Mistress of Animals. From
the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, Sparta.
38. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
39. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
40. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
41. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
42. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
43. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
44. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
• Earthquakes were attributed to Poseidon’s mood changes.
45. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
• Earthquakes were attributed to Poseidon’s mood changes.
46. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
• Earthquakes were attributed to Poseidon’s mood changes.
• Famous Spartan hero Lysander dedicated a military victory to Poseidon.
47. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
• Earthquakes were attributed to Poseidon’s mood changes.
• Famous Spartan hero Lysander dedicated a military victory to Poseidon.
48. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
• Earthquakes were attributed to Poseidon’s mood changes.
• Famous Spartan hero Lysander dedicated a military victory to Poseidon.
Not far from them [the Markets of Sparta, is a sanctuary ... of Poseidon…
(Pausanias)
49. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
• Earthquakes were attributed to Poseidon’s mood changes.
• Famous Spartan hero Lysander dedicated a military victory to Poseidon.
Not far from them [the Markets of Sparta, is a sanctuary ... of Poseidon…
(Pausanias)
50. Gods and Goddesses
2. Poseidon
• Poseidon was the god of the sea, fresh water, horses and earthquakes. He
was widely worshipped in ancient Greece, with numerous temples and shrines.
• There were several sanctuaries of Poseidon in Laconia.
• Major temple near Cape Taenaron, at the very tip of southern Laconia.
• Earthquakes were attributed to Poseidon’s mood changes.
• Famous Spartan hero Lysander dedicated a military victory to Poseidon.
Not far from them [the Markets of Sparta, is a sanctuary ... of Poseidon…
(Pausanias)
The Lakedaimonians put to death men who had taken refuge in the sanctuary
57. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
58. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
59. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
60. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
61. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
• Major festival called the Hyakinthia was held at the Amyklaion.
62. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
• Major festival called the Hyakinthia was held at the Amyklaion.
63. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
• Major festival called the Hyakinthia was held at the Amyklaion.
• Another major festival - the Gymnopaedia also held in honour of Apollo
64. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
• Major festival called the Hyakinthia was held at the Amyklaion.
• Another major festival - the Gymnopaedia also held in honour of Apollo
65. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
• Major festival called the Hyakinthia was held at the Amyklaion.
• Another major festival - the Gymnopaedia also held in honour of Apollo
• All major festivals in Sparta honoured Apollo as a young man (indicating
Spartan obsession with youth).
66. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
• Major festival called the Hyakinthia was held at the Amyklaion.
• Another major festival - the Gymnopaedia also held in honour of Apollo
• All major festivals in Sparta honoured Apollo as a young man (indicating
Spartan obsession with youth).
67. Gods and Goddesses
3. Apollo
• Apollo was traditionally the god of the sky
• There was a sanctuary of Apollo-Hyakinthia found on the hill at Amyklae
called the Amyklaion. Important place of worship for the Spartans.
• At the Anyklaion there was a throne of Apollo surrounded by the colossal
column-shaped statue of the god. The tomb-altar of the local god or hero
Hyakinthos was used as the pedestal of the statue.
• Major festival called the Hyakinthia was held at the Amyklaion.
• Another major festival - the Gymnopaedia also held in honour of Apollo
• All major festivals in Sparta honoured Apollo as a young man (indicating
Spartan obsession with youth).
• Came to be recognized as the god of light, music and truth and was
associated with health. He was also an archer / warrior god.
71. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
72. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
73. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
Examples
74. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
Examples
75. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
Examples
• Spartan kings were claimed to have been descended from the
semi-divine hero Heracles who supposedly returned to
Laconia with the Dorian invaders.
76. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
Examples
• Spartan kings were claimed to have been descended from the
semi-divine hero Heracles who supposedly returned to
Laconia with the Dorian invaders.
77. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
Examples
• Spartan kings were claimed to have been descended from the
semi-divine hero Heracles who supposedly returned to
Laconia with the Dorian invaders.
• Sparta eventually took many heroes of Troy - Menelaus and
Helen had a shrine in Sparta – the Menelaion
78. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
Examples
• Spartan kings were claimed to have been descended from the
semi-divine hero Heracles who supposedly returned to
Laconia with the Dorian invaders.
• Sparta eventually took many heroes of Troy - Menelaus and
Helen had a shrine in Sparta – the Menelaion
79. Myths and Legends
• Sparta made use of legend to justify its claims of leadership in
both the Peloponnese and Greece established links
between Sparta and the gods/heroes of ancient Greece.
Examples
• Spartan kings were claimed to have been descended from the
semi-divine hero Heracles who supposedly returned to
Laconia with the Dorian invaders.
• Sparta eventually took many heroes of Troy - Menelaus and
Helen had a shrine in Sparta – the Menelaion
• Legend surrounded the military excellence of the Spartan army
and the agoge - the suicidal stand of 300 Spartiates against
the overwhelming numbers of the invading Persians at
Thermopylae
83. Myths and Legends
Lycurgus
• The mysterious figure who supposedly gave Sparta its political
and social institutions, including:
– The Great Rhetra
– The agoge
– Austere lifestyle
84. Myths and Legends
Lycurgus
• The mysterious figure who supposedly gave Sparta its political
and social institutions, including:
– The Great Rhetra
– The agoge
– Austere lifestyle
• Although the ancients describe him as a real person (or even
divine), modern historians tend to see him as a mythological
figure.
85. Myths and Legends
Lycurgus
• The mysterious figure who supposedly gave Sparta its political
and social institutions, including:
– The Great Rhetra
– The agoge
– Austere lifestyle
• Although the ancients describe him as a real person (or even
divine), modern historians tend to see him as a mythological
figure.
86. Myths and Legends
Lycurgus
• The mysterious figure who supposedly gave Sparta its political
and social institutions, including:
– The Great Rhetra
– The agoge
– Austere lifestyle
• Although the ancients describe him as a real person (or even
divine), modern historians tend to see him as a mythological
figure.
‘…I know not whether to declare you human or divine - Yet I
incline to believe, Lycurgus, that you are a god,’ (Herodotus)
87. Myths and Legends
Lycurgus
• The mysterious figure who supposedly gave Sparta its political
and social institutions, including:
– The Great Rhetra
– The agoge
– Austere lifestyle
• Although the ancients describe him as a real person (or even
divine), modern historians tend to see him as a mythological
figure.
‘…I know not whether to declare you human or divine - Yet I
incline to believe, Lycurgus, that you are a god,’ (Herodotus)
88. Myths and Legends
Lycurgus
• The mysterious figure who supposedly gave Sparta its political
and social institutions, including:
– The Great Rhetra
– The agoge
– Austere lifestyle
• Although the ancients describe him as a real person (or even
divine), modern historians tend to see him as a mythological
figure.
‘…I know not whether to declare you human or divine - Yet I
incline to believe, Lycurgus, that you are a god,’ (Herodotus)
“The perpetuation of his name was one of the most successful
frauds in history” (Andrews)
92. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
93. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
94. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
• They were associated with the two Kings of Sparta - descendants of
the Dioscuri. The kings were the priests of the Dioscuri
95. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
• They were associated with the two Kings of Sparta - descendants of
the Dioscuri. The kings were the priests of the Dioscuri
96. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
• They were associated with the two Kings of Sparta - descendants of
the Dioscuri. The kings were the priests of the Dioscuri
• They were associated with young men and their pursuits of
horsemanship, athletics and warfare.
97. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
• They were associated with the two Kings of Sparta - descendants of
the Dioscuri. The kings were the priests of the Dioscuri
• They were associated with young men and their pursuits of
horsemanship, athletics and warfare.
98. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
• They were associated with the two Kings of Sparta - descendants of
the Dioscuri. The kings were the priests of the Dioscuri
• They were associated with young men and their pursuits of
horsemanship, athletics and warfare.
• Also assisted in protection of the Sparta in times of danger –
protectors of the state.
99. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
• They were associated with the two Kings of Sparta - descendants of
the Dioscuri. The kings were the priests of the Dioscuri
• They were associated with young men and their pursuits of
horsemanship, athletics and warfare.
• Also assisted in protection of the Sparta in times of danger –
protectors of the state.
100. Myths and Legends
Dioscuri
• The legend of the twin sons of Zeus - Castor and Polydeuces who
were the brothers of Helen of Sparta, and descendants of Heracles.
• They were associated with the two Kings of Sparta - descendants of
the Dioscuri. The kings were the priests of the Dioscuri
• They were associated with young men and their pursuits of
horsemanship, athletics and warfare.
• Also assisted in protection of the Sparta in times of danger –
protectors of the state.
• Many hero-relief’s have been uncovered by archaeologists.
Thousands of votive offerings to the Dioscuri have been uncovered.
101. The Dioscuri – shown as naked youths on horseback.
They were Sparta's patrons and protectors
109. Spartan Festivals
1. Hyakinthia
• Origins in myth that Apollo hit Hyakinthos (a Spartan Prince who
was a lover of Apollo) in the head with a discus and killed him.
110. Spartan Festivals
1. Hyakinthia
• Origins in myth that Apollo hit Hyakinthos (a Spartan Prince who
was a lover of Apollo) in the head with a discus and killed him.
111. Spartan Festivals
1. Hyakinthia
• Origins in myth that Apollo hit Hyakinthos (a Spartan Prince who
was a lover of Apollo) in the head with a discus and killed him.
• Hyakinthia was a 3 day festival celebrated in early summer in
order to mourn the mythological death of Hyakinthos.
112. Spartan Festivals
1. Hyakinthia
• Origins in myth that Apollo hit Hyakinthos (a Spartan Prince who
was a lover of Apollo) in the head with a discus and killed him.
• Hyakinthia was a 3 day festival celebrated in early summer in
order to mourn the mythological death of Hyakinthos.
113. Spartan Festivals
1. Hyakinthia
• Origins in myth that Apollo hit Hyakinthos (a Spartan Prince who
was a lover of Apollo) in the head with a discus and killed him.
• Hyakinthia was a 3 day festival celebrated in early summer in
order to mourn the mythological death of Hyakinthos.
• 2 stages to the festival:
– 1) marked by rites of sorrow (day of ritual defilement + grief)
– 2) consisted of processions, dances and chariot races, sacrifices
were held and so were feasts.
114. Spartan Festivals
1. Hyakinthia
• Origins in myth that Apollo hit Hyakinthos (a Spartan Prince who
was a lover of Apollo) in the head with a discus and killed him.
• Hyakinthia was a 3 day festival celebrated in early summer in
order to mourn the mythological death of Hyakinthos.
• 2 stages to the festival:
– 1) marked by rites of sorrow (day of ritual defilement + grief)
– 2) consisted of processions, dances and chariot races, sacrifices
were held and so were feasts.
• Choir boys accompanied by flutes/lyres sang praise of the gods –
this was a highlight.
115. Spartan Festivals
1. Hyakinthia
• Origins in myth that Apollo hit Hyakinthos (a Spartan Prince who
was a lover of Apollo) in the head with a discus and killed him.
• Hyakinthia was a 3 day festival celebrated in early summer in
order to mourn the mythological death of Hyakinthos.
• 2 stages to the festival:
– 1) marked by rites of sorrow (day of ritual defilement + grief)
– 2) consisted of processions, dances and chariot races, sacrifices
were held and so were feasts.
• Choir boys accompanied by flutes/lyres sang praise of the gods –
this was a highlight.
116. Spartan Festivals
1. Hyakinthia
• Origins in myth that Apollo hit Hyakinthos (a Spartan Prince who
was a lover of Apollo) in the head with a discus and killed him.
• Hyakinthia was a 3 day festival celebrated in early summer in
order to mourn the mythological death of Hyakinthos.
• 2 stages to the festival:
– 1) marked by rites of sorrow (day of ritual defilement + grief)
– 2) consisted of processions, dances and chariot races, sacrifices
were held and so were feasts.
• Choir boys accompanied by flutes/lyres sang praise of the gods –
this was a highlight.
• Held at Amyklaion shrine at Amyclae.
122. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
123. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
124. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
• Unique to Sparta, translates roughly into “naked sports”
125. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
• Unique to Sparta, translates roughly into “naked sports”
126. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
• Unique to Sparta, translates roughly into “naked sports”
• Was held in honour of the slain at the ancient battle of Thyrea against Argos
550BC
127. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
• Unique to Sparta, translates roughly into “naked sports”
• Was held in honour of the slain at the ancient battle of Thyrea against Argos
550BC
128. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
• Unique to Sparta, translates roughly into “naked sports”
• Was held in honour of the slain at the ancient battle of Thyrea against Argos
550BC
• Both young and old males took part in the festival, tending to perform at different
times of the day – however older men (30?) who were unmarried & without
children were not allowed to participate.
129. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
• Unique to Sparta, translates roughly into “naked sports”
• Was held in honour of the slain at the ancient battle of Thyrea against Argos
550BC
• Both young and old males took part in the festival, tending to perform at different
times of the day – however older men (30?) who were unmarried & without
children were not allowed to participate.
130. Spartan Festivals
2. Gymnopaedia
• 5 day festival of athletic competitions/music events linked to agoge
• Held in the Spartan agora (market place), in the hottest part of the year (July).
• Unique to Sparta, translates roughly into “naked sports”
• Was held in honour of the slain at the ancient battle of Thyrea against Argos
550BC
• Both young and old males took part in the festival, tending to perform at different
times of the day – however older men (30?) who were unmarried & without
children were not allowed to participate.
• A grand parade was held at the end of each festival.
136. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
137. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
138. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
• An extremely important festival for the Spartans, it was a celebration of the
foundation of Sparta and various military events.
139. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
• An extremely important festival for the Spartans, it was a celebration of the
foundation of Sparta and various military events.
140. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
• An extremely important festival for the Spartans, it was a celebration of the
foundation of Sparta and various military events.
141. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
• An extremely important festival for the Spartans, it was a celebration of the
foundation of Sparta and various military events.
• 2 main rituals:
1) A procession with model rafts (represented the migration & colonisation of Sparta)
2) A ritual where a runner was adorned with a garland of wool on his head, he prayed
to the gods then ran away – if he was caught it was a good omen for the city, if not it
was a bad omen.
142. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
• An extremely important festival for the Spartans, it was a celebration of the
foundation of Sparta and various military events.
• 2 main rituals:
1) A procession with model rafts (represented the migration & colonisation of Sparta)
2) A ritual where a runner was adorned with a garland of wool on his head, he prayed
to the gods then ran away – if he was caught it was a good omen for the city, if not it
was a bad omen.
143. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
• An extremely important festival for the Spartans, it was a celebration of the
foundation of Sparta and various military events.
• 2 main rituals:
1) A procession with model rafts (represented the migration & colonisation of Sparta)
2) A ritual where a runner was adorned with a garland of wool on his head, he prayed
to the gods then ran away – if he was caught it was a good omen for the city, if not it
was a bad omen.
• A large feast was held in tent-like structures
144. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
• An extremely important festival for the Spartans, it was a celebration of the
foundation of Sparta and various military events.
• 2 main rituals:
1) A procession with model rafts (represented the migration & colonisation of Sparta)
2) A ritual where a runner was adorned with a garland of wool on his head, he prayed
to the gods then ran away – if he was caught it was a good omen for the city, if not it
was a bad omen.
• A large feast was held in tent-like structures
145. Spartan Festivals
3. Karneia
• A harvest festival celebrated over 9 days in month of Karneios (August/
September)
• Received its name from Apollo Karneios, god of the herd/ram
• An extremely important festival for the Spartans, it was a celebration of the
foundation of Sparta and various military events.
• 2 main rituals:
1) A procession with model rafts (represented the migration & colonisation of Sparta)
2) A ritual where a runner was adorned with a garland of wool on his head, he prayed
to the gods then ran away – if he was caught it was a good omen for the city, if not it
was a bad omen.
• A large feast was held in tent-like structures
• Athletic contests /games held – close association with agoge
147. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Kings were the most important Priests in Sparta.
148. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Kings were the most important Priests in Sparta.
149. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Kings were the most important Priests in Sparta.
• Regarded as representatives of the gods, they held
office as long as gods pleased (every 9 years ephors
looked in skies for signs of gods approval/disapproval)
150. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Kings were the most important Priests in Sparta.
• Regarded as representatives of the gods, they held
office as long as gods pleased (every 9 years ephors
looked in skies for signs of gods approval/disapproval)
151. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Kings were the most important Priests in Sparta.
• Regarded as representatives of the gods, they held
office as long as gods pleased (every 9 years ephors
looked in skies for signs of gods approval/disapproval)
• Expected to frequently offer sacrifices for the success
of their city, and the safeguard of the army
152. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Kings were the most important Priests in Sparta.
• Regarded as representatives of the gods, they held
office as long as gods pleased (every 9 years ephors
looked in skies for signs of gods approval/disapproval)
• Expected to frequently offer sacrifices for the success
of their city, and the safeguard of the army
153. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Kings were the most important Priests in Sparta.
• Regarded as representatives of the gods, they held
office as long as gods pleased (every 9 years ephors
looked in skies for signs of gods approval/disapproval)
• Expected to frequently offer sacrifices for the success
of their city, and the safeguard of the army
• Carried out sacrifices to their respective Patron gods
on behalf of the people on the 1st and 7th day of each
month – to Zeus Uranios and Zeus Lacedaemon.
155. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Sacrifices were carried out at important annual festivals,
at funerals, before leaving for war (Zeus), before
crossing the frontier (Zeus and Athena) and at dawn on
the day of battle when a goat was sacrificed.
156. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Sacrifices were carried out at important annual festivals,
at funerals, before leaving for war (Zeus), before
crossing the frontier (Zeus and Athena) and at dawn on
the day of battle when a goat was sacrificed.
157. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Sacrifices were carried out at important annual festivals,
at funerals, before leaving for war (Zeus), before
crossing the frontier (Zeus and Athena) and at dawn on
the day of battle when a goat was sacrificed.
• Accountable for the preservation of the gods’ happiness,
and if disaster struck, the kings were held responsible.
158. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Sacrifices were carried out at important annual festivals,
at funerals, before leaving for war (Zeus), before
crossing the frontier (Zeus and Athena) and at dawn on
the day of battle when a goat was sacrificed.
• Accountable for the preservation of the gods’ happiness,
and if disaster struck, the kings were held responsible.
159. Religious Roles of the Kings
• Sacrifices were carried out at important annual festivals,
at funerals, before leaving for war (Zeus), before
crossing the frontier (Zeus and Athena) and at dawn on
the day of battle when a goat was sacrificed.
• Accountable for the preservation of the gods’ happiness,
and if disaster struck, the kings were held responsible.
• Appointed 4 pithioi to consult the Oracle at Delphi
responsible for the safe keeping of all oracles
161. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• Plutarch gives us some idea about Spartan
attitude towards death:
162. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• Plutarch gives us some idea about Spartan
attitude towards death:
163. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• Plutarch gives us some idea about Spartan
attitude towards death:
‘… [Lycurgus] removed all superstition by
not placing any ban on the burial of the
dead within the city…thus through their
upbringing young people came to regard
such sites as familiar and normal: they
were not disturbed by them, nor did they
fear death…’
167. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
168. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
169. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
• Burials within the city – encourage not to fear death
170. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
• Burials within the city – encourage not to fear death
171. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
• Burials within the city – encourage not to fear death
• Were given graves / tombs only if died in battle (male)
or in childbirth (female) or were buried in simple pits.
172. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
• Burials within the city – encourage not to fear death
• Were given graves / tombs only if died in battle (male)
or in childbirth (female) or were buried in simple pits.
173. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
• Burials within the city – encourage not to fear death
• Were given graves / tombs only if died in battle (male)
or in childbirth (female) or were buried in simple pits.
• Soldiers were buried wrapped in their red cloaks with
olive leaves placed around
174. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
• Burials within the city – encourage not to fear death
• Were given graves / tombs only if died in battle (male)
or in childbirth (female) or were buried in simple pits.
• Soldiers were buried wrapped in their red cloaks with
olive leaves placed around
175. Funerary Customs & Rituals
A) SPARTAN CITIZENS:
• Spartans were encouraged to view death as a normal
part of life – so they would give their lives for the state.
• Burials within the city – encourage not to fear death
• Were given graves / tombs only if died in battle (male)
or in childbirth (female) or were buried in simple pits.
• Soldiers were buried wrapped in their red cloaks with
olive leaves placed around
• Warriors could be buried on the battlefield with grave
markers ‘in war’ placed to identify the body
177. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• Funerary rituals were conducted by female
relatives and included:
– Laying out the body
– Funeral procession
– The Burial
178. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• Funerary rituals were conducted by female
relatives and included:
– Laying out the body
– Funeral procession
– The Burial
• Grave goods/offerings were not placed in graves
179. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• Funerary rituals were conducted by female
relatives and included:
– Laying out the body
– Funeral procession
– The Burial
• Grave goods/offerings were not placed in graves
180. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• Funerary rituals were conducted by female
relatives and included:
– Laying out the body
– Funeral procession
– The Burial
• Grave goods/offerings were not placed in graves
• A strict period of mourning was enforced - 11
days - and the 12th day was marked by a
sacrifice to Demeter and the end of grieving.
184. Funerary Customs & Rituals
B) KINGS
• Spartan king burials were dealt with differently.
185. Funerary Customs & Rituals
B) KINGS
• Spartan king burials were dealt with differently.
186. Funerary Customs & Rituals
B) KINGS
• Spartan king burials were dealt with differently.
• Herodotus is our main source in investigating the
death and burial of a king. He states that kings
received elaborate burial rituals in keeping with
their divine origins and religious significance
187. Funerary Customs & Rituals
B) KINGS
• Spartan king burials were dealt with differently.
• Herodotus is our main source in investigating the
death and burial of a king. He states that kings
received elaborate burial rituals in keeping with
their divine origins and religious significance
188. Funerary Customs & Rituals
B) KINGS
• Spartan king burials were dealt with differently.
• Herodotus is our main source in investigating the
death and burial of a king. He states that kings
received elaborate burial rituals in keeping with
their divine origins and religious significance
‘Spartans held their kings as demi-gods,
worthy of a hero’s funeral.’ (H.W Parker)
190. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
191. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
192. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
193. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
194. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
195. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
196. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
197. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
198. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
– Two free people from each household were required to put up signs of
desecration failure to comply meant heavy punishment
199. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
– Two free people from each household were required to put up signs of
desecration failure to comply meant heavy punishment
200. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
– Two free people from each household were required to put up signs of
desecration failure to comply meant heavy punishment
– For 10 days following the burial, no meetings were allowed to be held
201. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
– Two free people from each household were required to put up signs of
desecration failure to comply meant heavy punishment
– For 10 days following the burial, no meetings were allowed to be held
202. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
– Two free people from each household were required to put up signs of
desecration failure to comply meant heavy punishment
– For 10 days following the burial, no meetings were allowed to be held
– If a king is killed in war - they must make a statute of him and carry it to
burial on a richly decorated bier
203. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
– Two free people from each household were required to put up signs of
desecration failure to comply meant heavy punishment
– For 10 days following the burial, no meetings were allowed to be held
– If a king is killed in war - they must make a statute of him and carry it to
burial on a richly decorated bier
204. Funerary Customs & Rituals
• According to Herodotus when a Spartan King died:
– Horseman would ride all over Laconia and inform the inhabitants
– Women would beat cauldrons and strike their heads in grief
– People would proclaim that the late King was the best they ever had
– Two free people from each household were required to put up signs of
desecration failure to comply meant heavy punishment
– For 10 days following the burial, no meetings were allowed to be held
– If a king is killed in war - they must make a statute of him and carry it to
burial on a richly decorated bier
– Spartan Kings buried outside the city to separate them from the living
208. HSC Style Questions
Name TWO gods/goddesses worshipped
at Sparta (2 marks).
Name TWO Spartan festivals (2 marks).
209. HSC Style Questions
Name TWO gods/goddesses worshipped
at Sparta (2 marks).
Name TWO Spartan festivals (2 marks).
210. HSC Style Questions
Name TWO gods/goddesses worshipped
at Sparta (2 marks).
Name TWO Spartan festivals (2 marks).
With reference to sources, describe the
main features of Spartan religious
festivals. (8 marks)