Stage 6 Ancient History
Spartan Religion
Spartans took their religion very seriously. They have even been made fun of by historians, such as Herodotus, who tells the famous story of the Athenain runner, who was sent to Sparta requesting help for the Battle of Marathon.
"The Spartans though moved by the appeal, and willing to send help to Athens, were unable to send it promptly becasue they did not wish to break their law. It was the ninth day of the month, and they said they could not take the field until the moon was full" (Herodotus)
Role of Religion:
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To explain the natural world and seek to control it. Fertility , both natural and human could be guaranteed by appeasing the gods at such festivals as the Karneia and the Hyakinthia
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To avert disaster by ritual sacrifice, libations and divination
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Gain advantage through war by the use of oracles
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Religion reinforces social values.
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Competition in festivals emphasized the importance of athleticism and physical fitness.
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Inclusiveness of festivals created a community identity, while exclusion from festivals defined ones inferior status
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Certain festivals provided rites of passage from adolescence to adult or warrior status
4.1- Gods and Goddesses: Artemis Orthia, Poseidon, Apollo
The Spartans believed in polytheism, meaning the belief of many gods. They worshipped the Olympian gods with Zeus at the head, like many other Greek city-states. However, there were some deities that were more significant to the Spartans than others. For example, Artemis Orthia, Poseidon and Apollo.
Artemis Orthia
Artemis was the goddess of the wilderness, the hunt and wild animals, and fertility. In many ancient cities, including Sparta, she became a goddess of fertility and childbirth. It is believed that Orthia was a local deity that the Spartan's combined with Artemis to create their very own goddess.
The evidence that remains in Sparta suggests that she had a sanctuary dedicated to her. This was probably re-built as a temple later on as we can see the remains of the building as well as the altar. Archaeological remains of lead votive offerings, which were found at the sanctuary, suggests that she was praised and loved by many. Over 100, 000 tiny trinkets of warriors, animals, worshippers and goddesses were recovered at the site. It is probable that Spartan Women saw her as a form of strength and guidance, especially during childbirth.
The written evidence from Pausanias and Xenophon indicates that a ritual was held at this sacred site, which involved the whipping of young boys and a race involving the stealing of cheese.
Apollo
Apollo was the god of light and reason. He was also associated with music at times. Apollo was a significant part of Spartan religion, with two festivals being held in his honour.
Remains of a Temple at Amyclae indicate a specific site of worship. Pausanias provides a detailed description of the colossal statue that once stood in his Apollo’s honour. Artists impressions of the bronze statue show its sheer size, which supports the idea that he was an important part of the societies religious life.
Pausanias- on the statue of Apollo at Amyclae
“Except for the face and the extremities of its feet and hnds, it looks like a broze pole. It has a helmet on its head, It holds a spear and bow in its hands. The base of the statue has a shape like an altar”
Poseidon
Poseidon, god of the sea and horse, was worshipped widely throughout Sparta. Although we have no archaeological evidence of a temple, written evidence suggests that a sanctuary near the port of Gythium was dedicated to him.
Poseidon was also known throughout Sparta as the ‘earth-shaker’ and the Spartans interpreted earthquakes as either an omen during times of war.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 3. 11. 9
"Not far from them [the markets of Sparta] is a sanctuary . . . of Poseidon surnamed Asphalios (Securer)."
4.2- Myths and Legends: Lycurgus and the Dioscuri
It is the greatest Spartan legend of all- Lycurgus
Who was this man and why was he so legendary? As you know the evidence is unclear, however we can conclude that his was responsible for reforming Sparta. It is possible that Lycurgus was a mythical man and was perhaps just a name given to the gradual changes made to society over time. Nevertheless, it is clear that he was worshipped as a saviour and a legend throughout the Spartan world.
The Dioscuri (Sons of Zeus)
In Greek mythology, the Dioscuri were the twin brothers, Castor and Pollux (also called Polydeuces). Their mother was Leda, but they had different fathers. Tyndareus, the king of Sparta, was the father of Castor (hence a mortal), while Zeus was the father of Pollux (a demigod). Some sources say that they were born from an egg, along with their twin sisters Helen and Clytemnestra.
The twins were worshipped in Sparta and it is said that they were the idea behind the dual kingship. Sparta's unique dual kingship reflects the divine influence of the Dioscuri. When the Spartan army marched to war, one king remained behind at home, accompanied by one of the Twins. In this way the political order was secured in the realm of the Gods.
4.3- Festivals- Hyakinthia, Gymnopaedia and the Karneia
4.4- Religious Role of the Kings– see social structure 2.2
4.5- Funerary Customs and Rituals
Download the document for a summary of both the roles of the kings and the SPartan funerary customs and rituals. It includes sources and the archaeological evidence.