Political and Social Context of Greek Hero Cults

Indianapolis, IN

This paper analyzes the complex social and political contexts that the obscure practice of Greek hero cult existed within during the classical period. For most of scholarship, the practices of Greek hero worship was always mysterious; it was not until the later half of the 20th century that research into hero cult became extensive. Using this research along with textual and archaeological primary sources, this paper illustrates that Greek hero worship came in many forms, ranging from local community levels to polis-wide levels. The primary conclusions of this paper regarding the social contexts of cult was that hero worship served a unique function in bringing the worshipping community together, while having a huge emphasis on the act of sacrifice to the hero. The political contexts of cult primarily centered around the legitimacy of a polis’ rulers, the polis itself, or rendering mystical aid during times of crisis, serving both social and political functions. In conclusion, this paper hopes to display the many different ways that hero worship functioned as an important and unique part of ancient Greek society.