Greek_Religion I

1Ancient Greek ReligionLO: What were the key features of Greek religion? Key Words: hiera (holy affairs), religion, underworld 2Religion TodayHow many different religions can you name? With a partner estimate how many you could come up with. Be careful – the pair with the highest number will be asked to prove themselves! 3Greek ReligionIn many ways, Greek religion was very different to today. There was no central authority figure (like the Pope) and no holy book, no moral code to live by. They didn’t even have a word for religion – the called it ‘hiera’ or ‘holy affairs’ 4There were some similarities...Rites of passage: Moment such as births, marriages and deaths were all rituals marked in Athens Festivals There were lots of religious festivals Pilgrimage Pilgrims visited numerous shrines around the Greek world. 5Select as many correct facts as you can without hitting a wipeout!FACT or MYTH????6Greeks were expected not to ‘love’ their gods but to honour them. They realised they were much more powerful than they were and were told to treat them with respect. ‘Satisfy the immortal gods with libations and sacrifices, when you go to bed and when the pleasant light returns so that they might have a kindly heart and spirit towards you’ Hesiod What were they expected to do for their gods?