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86-609: On the Athenian Acropolis two girls aged between seven and eleven were elected to live for a year at a time as arrhephoroi, tending the sacred olive tree and weaving, with the help of other women, the new robe for Athena . Proud parents commemorated their daughters' service by making dedications on the Acropolis. At the annual festival of the Arrhephoria the girls (according to Pausanias ) placed on their heads what

172-432: A " Pythagorean mode of life". In 1788, Valadi traveled to England in order to convince an unnamed "gentleman of eminence in the literary world" to become the head of a new Pythagorean sect, assuring him that Valadi would help him find numerous followers. He refused, and suggested Valadi learn Greek and become the head of the sect himself. Valadi began his studies at Glasgow , where he learned of Taylor, to whom he wrote in

258-516: A Hellenist was Thomas Taylor (1758–1835), who produced the first English translations of many neoplatonic philosophical and religious texts. Taylor was widely known as the "English Platonist", and rumors existed that he had produced anonymous pamphlets advocating a return to a sort of pagan religion (these rumors have been debunked by modern scholars ). Though the extent of his actual devotion to Ancient Greek spirituality remains unknown, brief descriptions written by others about him tend to portray him as

344-626: A collection of hymns, the Hymni naturales, in which he celebrates the Olympian pantheon . Bartolomeo Scala , his father-in-law, was a member of the Platonic Academy in Florence , Italy. So, my good king of the gods, the gloomy fate, unfortunately, I could not escape, to practice as a Hellene the cult of my fathers in a non-Hellenic language, (Hymn to Hermes ) Validating

430-413: A common name and identity with our co-religionists in the homeland of our spirituality," and that the term 'Hellenism' is linked too closely in current use to the modern Greek nation. When discussing theology , opinions are divided. Some argue that theology is a fundamental part of the ancient tradition and an integral part of ancient philosophy. Some groups, such as YSEE , have published materials about

516-411: A dogma [laughing], ... there are of course some guiding principles that one needs to follow because they are based on tradition, these are things that you need to follow." This means that values are still present and should be adhered to. In some cases, they are openly stated in the group's texts: The values that govern and guide Labrys religious community are: Eusebia (Piety), in our relationship with

602-637: A few years after the death of Plethon, Michael Tarchaniota Marullus was born near the site of ancient Sparta in the Despotate of the Morea or in Constantinople . Both of Marullus's parents were Greek exiles who had fled from Constantinople when it fell to the Turks in 1453, and he always proudly called himself a Greek . Marullus was a poet and stratioti-soldier . Among his works, Marullus composed

688-567: A girl priestess in the Erechthean temple of the Maid; And at ten upon this hill I made flour in the mill. For the cakes which to our Lady are displayed, Then I went to Brauron town and put on a yellow gown. To walk in the procession as the Bear; To complete my perfect score I the sacred basket bore at Athena's feast when I was young and fair. (1.1.663-673) These stages have certain tasks which display

774-469: A humble stranger (xenos), who turns out to be a disguised deity (theos) with the capacity to bestow rewards. Offerings and libations are considered sacred integral acts within worship. There are several types of offerings that are performed, sacrifices , votive offerings , and libations . Without sacrifices, prayers are words only; but accompanied with sacrifices they become animated words; and words indeed corroborating life. Devotees are divided upon

860-509: A letter: My determination was to go and live in North America, and there to keep a school of temperance and love, in order to preserve so many men from the prevailing vices of brutal intemperance and selfish cupidity ... There I would devoutly erect altars to my favourite Gods: Dioscuri , Hector , Aristomenes , Pan , Orpheus , Epaminondas , Pythagoras , Pluto , Timoleon , Marcus Brutus and his Portia , and above all, Phoebus ,

946-419: A mythological story of Athena and her punishment of two young girls. Kekrops , the first king of Athens, whose tomb was in the complex, had three daughters, Aglauros, Herse , and Pandrosos. The mystery revolves around innocence, obedience, and fecundity. They were given a closed basket by Athena who forbade them to open it. One night Aglauros and Herse gave in to curiosity, opened the basket, and saw Ericthonios,

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1032-508: A pejorative for ethnic Hellenes. Olympianismos (Olympianism) and Neopaganismos ( Neopaganism ) are used by the Greek Orthodox Church in a derogatory manner, while the term Dodekatheismos (religion of twelve gods) is used by both Christian critics and some polytheists. Another more general name for this religion is Hellenic polytheism or paganism . This term is used most often outside of Greece. Some academics use

1118-592: A personal one, not one that should be endorsed by a group or the community, as is the case with monotheistic religions. They consider the rituals based on mythology, with myths forming the basis of their festivals, and there is no theology behind them. This perspective does not mean that members of the community or broader Hellenic religious milieu can do whatever they please. It is acknowledged that there are certain principles, rooted in tradition, that should be followed and accepted by members. As one follower stated, "you can't be dogmatic in our circles, because we don't have

1204-465: A race course), and necropolis (cemetery). This acropolis was the highest point of fortification on the south edge at Halieis. There was a small open-air cult space, including an altar and monuments. The Ankara Acropolis, which was set in modern-day Turkey, is a historically prominent space that has changed over time through the urban development of the country from the Phrygian period. This acropolis

1290-451: A religious context refers to the modern pluralistic religion practiced in Greece and around the world by several communities derived from the beliefs , mythology , and rituals from antiquity through and up to today. It is a system of thought and spirituality with a shared culture and values, and common ritualistic, linguistic, and literary tradition. More broadly, Hellenism centers itself on

1376-452: A religious identifier for "Hellenic religion" in the same manner as " Christianity " is understood to mean "Christian religion." Other informal naming conventions have also developed since the formation of the first Hellenic religious organizations in the 1990s, based on academically accepted descriptive definitions. The phrase "Hellenic polytheistic reconstructionism" refers specifically to the methodology used by some practitioners to recreate

1462-402: A sincerely devout polytheist. One such sketch, written by Isaac D'Israeli , describes Taylor delaying answering his door until he has finished his mid-day hymn to Apollo , and reports that his study contained a hanging globe of clear glass, representing Zeus , that scattered sunbeams he would use to read and write, shifting his position in the room to follow them throughout the day. In 1779,

1548-556: Is acropolises , also commonly as acropoleis and acropoles , and ακροπόλεις in Greek. The term acropolis is also used to describe the central complex of overlapping structures, such as plazas and pyramids, in many Maya cities , including Tikal and Copán . Acropolis is also the term used by archaeologists and historians for the urban Castro culture settlements located in Northwestern Iberian hilltops. It

1634-399: Is clear that certain values are held in common within the community and should be accepted by members, but there is no such requirement for theological or philosophical beliefs. As one member stated, "it doesn't matter if you have read Homer or Hesiod . The most important is piety. To be possessed by Gods and be pious is the A and Z." Piety was mentioned by most, if not all, members as one of

1720-400: Is considered a symbol of death and resurrection. The girl must attend and participate in the festival with the older women. These stages are all tasks that the girl will use for the rest of her life, and therefore are held in high importance and expectation. It is believed through sources that Attica was one of the first in history to have one of these festivals. The ritual itself is based on

1806-554: Is first used to refer to Greco-Roman religion by Emperor Julian, in his Letter To Arsacius: " The Hellenic religion does not yet prosper as I desire, and it is the fault of those who profess it; for the worship of the gods is on a splendid and magnificent scale, surpassing every prayer and every hope." - Emperor Julian In the original Greek: Ὁ Ἑλληνισμὸς οὔπω πράττει κατὰ λόγον ἡμῶν ἕνεκα τῶν μετιόντων αὐτόν· τὰ γὰρ τῶν θεῶν λαμπρὰ καὶ μεγάλα, κρείττονα πάσης μὲν εὐχῆς, πάσης δὲ ἐλπίδος. Following this, "Hellenism" has been employed as

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1892-572: Is frequently used in the United States to differentiate between syncretic and eclectic Neopagan movements, and those based on the traditions, writings, history, and mythology of a specific ancient polytheistic culture. The Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes have made a clear distinction between themselves and the Neopagan movements, and identify some 'Hellenic' groups as "simply disguised as 'Hellenes' for reasons that exist hidden within

1978-630: Is primarily associated with the Greek cities of Athens , Argos (with Larisa ), Thebes (with Cadmea ), Corinth (with its Acrocorinth ), and Rhodes (with its Acropolis of Lindos ). It may also be applied generically to all such citadels including Rome, Carthage , Jerusalem , Celtic Bratislava , Asia Minor , or Castle Rock in Edinburgh . An example in Ireland is the Rock of Cashel . In Central Italy , many small rural communes still cluster at

2064-492: Is the father and the eldest creator [δημιουργὸν] of all things." The other gods in the Greek pantheon are divided according "to divine nature [ θεότητι ] into the second and third orders, the first of which are the children of Zeus, his creations, and the second are the children of his children, the creations of his creations." Emically speaking, "revival" accurately describes the religious activity occurring in Greece and around

2150-510: Is typically used to refer to the Acropolis of Athens , yet every Greek city had an acropolis of its own. Acropolises were used as religious centers and places of worship, forts, and places in which the royal and high-status resided. Acropolises became the nuclei of large cities of classical ancient times, and served as important centers of a community. Some well-known acropolises have become the centers of tourism in present-day, and, especially,

2236-665: The Greek gods , which include Twelve Olympians , divinities and spirits of nature (such as nymphs ), underworld deities ( chthonic gods) and heroes . Both physical and spiritual ancestors are greatly honored. The gods exhibit both universal and local qualities. For the Greeks, "their gods were at the same time universal, found everywhere and powerful over the whole world, and intensely local, manifesting themselves in particular places." Some Hellenists may also enrich their beliefs through metaphysical schools or frameworks of Ancient Greece and

2322-515: The Odyssey (13.42), the gods can grant excellence to a life, which is contextually understood to mean prosperity. Xenia ( Ξενία ) is the concept of hospitality and is sometimes translated as "guest-friendship" or "ritualized friendship." It is an institutionalized relationship, rooted in generosity, gift exchange, and reciprocity; fundamental aspects of xenia . Historically, hospitality towards foreigners (Hellenes not of one's polis) and guests

2408-522: The Parthenon , which is derived from the divine Athena Parthenos. There were often dances, music and plays held at the acropolis, which it served as a community centre for the city of Athens. It became a prime tourist destination by the 2nd century AD during the Roman Empire and was known as "the Greece of Greece," as coined by an unknown poet. Although originating in the mainland of Greece, use of

2494-485: The 1990s. In 2006, Ancient Hellenic Religion, was granted "known religion" status by Greece. In 2017, Greece legally recognized Hellenic Religion as a "known religion." With the status of "known religion" both religions attained certain religious freedoms in Greece, including the freedom to open houses of worship and for clergy to officiate at weddings. Prior to Late Antiquity, there were no official naming practices for labeling religious expressions deriving themselves from

2580-468: The Acropolis in their place. Interpretation of the festival is difficult because of the lack of sources, but it is clear that the virginal arrhephoroi are chosen from the noblest families of the city and are deployed in a context of impregnation (dew), sexual power ( Aphrodite and Eros ), and birth (Erichthonios). The word "arrhephoros" etymologically probably means "dew carrier", which at first sight does not help. The arrhephoroi were charged with weaving

2666-475: The Acropolis itself. The connection was to celebrate Pandrosos and to have two girls fulfill the duty of the two who had failed Athena. In connection to the myth the arrhephoroi and the priestesses did not even know what the secret items were as to carry out a very similar burden. Some modern followers of Hellenism choose to celebrate it on the 3rd of Skirophorion, but there is no historical evidence of it being on this exact day. Some who practice Arrhephoria as in

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2752-544: The Acropolis of Athens has been a revolutionary center for the studies of ancient Greece since the Mycenaean period. Many of them have become a source of revenue for Greece, and represent some great technology during the period. An acropolis is defined by the Greek definition of ἀκρόπολις , akropolis ; from akros ( άκρος ) or akron ( άκρον ) meaning “highest; edge; extremity”, and polis ( πόλις ) meaning “city.” The plural of acropolis ( ακρόπολη )

2838-484: The Erechtheion a secret stairway led off the Acropolis past a small rock-cut shrine of Eros and Aphrodite , near which was the precinct to which they were going. The mythical associations of the arrhephoroi are with their starting-point the Erechtheion. In the fifth century B.C. Aristophanes, in his comic play Lysistrata detailed the stages for the women during this festival: For at seven years or less I became

2924-533: The German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote in his diary that "the beautiful gods continue to visit me". He did not profess a literal belief in the deities of Classical Greece, rather perceiving them to be poetic symbols of his own deepest experience. His work inspired a limited number of devotees. The most notable was Godefroi Izarn, the Marquis de Valadi, a young member of a wealthy French family who adopted

3010-674: The God of my hero Julian ... Valadi paid Taylor to live in his house and study under him, but his tenure as Taylor's disciple was short lived. He returned to France to fight in the French Revolution in 1789 (he reportedly said, "I came over Diogenes . I am going back Alexander "), and was executed by guillotine in December 1793 during the Reign of Terror . The literary and artistic movement known as Romanticism promoted notions of

3096-500: The Gods" ( Θεούς σέβου ), and "Respect Your Parents" ( Γονείς αίδου ). Arete ( Ἀρετή ) is often translated as "excellence" or "moral virtue." Arete is intrinsic to the concept of living up to one's potential. For modern Hellenists, arete is one of the most important virtues, and it is believed that cultivating it will lead to a good life of happiness and prosperity. Cultivating arete is not limited to just one domain, but also refers to

3182-458: The Gods; Organikotis (Kinship), in our relationships within the Community; Dikaiosyne (Justice), in terms of members' relations within the Community and also as a guiding principle in the conduct of the community as a whole towards third parties. The members of Labrys religious community also aim at achieving Eudaimonia [happiness] through attaining freedom, autonomy and self-sufficiency. It

3268-551: The Hellenic or Hellenistic culture and history in one form or another. There was not a word in Greek for "religion" in the modern sense. Likewise, no known Classical Greek writer classified either the gods or the cult practices into separate "religions." . Instead, for example, Herodotus speaks of the Hellenes as having "common shrines of the gods and sacrifices, and the same kinds of customs." The term 'Hellenism' (Ἑλληνισμὸς)

3354-740: The Hellenistic world with developed cosmological systems. Amongst the most prominent of these schools are neoplatonism and stoicism . There are many festivals throughout the year that many seek to celebrate, where the dates are often set by the lunisolar Attic calendar . The festivals typically commemorate events in Greek history, honoring deities that the festivals celebrate, and connote spiritual themes. The celebrations incorporate religious themes, arts, sacrifices and offerings, family get togethers and feasts. Popular sacred days are Deipnon , Noumenia and Agathos Daimon . Hellenic festivals include: The majority of modern historians agree that

3440-715: The Maya Site in Guatemala, and the Acropolis at Halieis . The most famous example is the Athenian Acropolis, which is a collection of structures featuring a citadel on the highest part of land in ancient (and modern-day) Athens, Greece. Many notable structures at the site were constructed in the 5th century BCE, including the Propylaea , Erechtheion , and the Temple of Athena. The Temple is also commonly known as

3526-586: The acropolis model quickly spread to Greek colonies such as the Dorian Lato on Crete during the Archaic Period . The Tepecik Acropolis at Patara served as a harbor to nearby communities and naval forces, such as Antigonos I Monopthalmos and Demetrios Poliorketes , and combined land and sea. Its fortification wall and Bastion date back to the Classical period. The acropolis was constructed in

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3612-500: The ancient Greek religion that include a section on theology and praxis, but without specific reference to philosophers or philosophical movements. Others disagree that theology is a central part of the ancient religion and practice. They argue that since they do not have any dogmas or holy books , theology only relates to philosophical movements such as Epicureanism , and that at the community level, they reject any association with specific philosophical paths. They see any such choice as

3698-447: The ancient system that all girls must go by when reaching puberty. The stages of this "initiation" are as follows. The Arrhephoroi comes first, and is a time when the girl dresses in white and begins to weave for the offering to Athena. This is an art that was always performed by women at that time, and therefore had to be taught at a young age. The second stage is to teach the girl how to bake, specifically, how to bake bread. The third step

3784-462: The base of a fortified habitation known as rocca of the commune. Other parts of the world have developed other names for the high citadel, or alcázar , which often have reinforced a naturally strong site. Because of this, many cultures have included acropolises in their societies, however, do not use the same name for them. The acropolis of a city was used in many ways, with regards to ancient time and through references. Because an acropolis

3870-471: The beginning of the 15th century who is the link between the ancients and us, and who demonstrates an underground continuation that has never been broken. In one of his invocations to Zeus , Plethon presents him – to the surprise of all who see things statically – as the father of Poseidon and Kronos . The German scholar of the 19th century or modern man, who doesn't even know what tradition means, begins at this point to muse and wonder over Plethon's words. In

3956-428: The city of La Blanca's rulers. Its main period of usage was during the Classical period of 600 AD to 850 AD, as the city developed as a commercial place of trade among a number of nearby settlements. The Mayan Acropolis site in Guatemala included a burial site and vaulted tombs of the highest status royal. This funerary structure was integrated into this sacred landscape, and illustrated the prosperity of power between

4042-584: The concentration of educational institutions in the area, including Columbia University and its affiliates, Barnard College , Teachers College , Union Theological Seminary and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America ; Manhattan School of Music ; Bank Street College of Education ; and New York Theological Seminary . The analogy is also aided by the neoclassical architecture of the Columbia University campus, which

4128-477: The depths of their own minds." During the 18th century, several notable authors and freethinkers embraced Ancient Greek religion to some extent, studying and translating ancient works of theology and philosophy, and in some cases composing original hymns and devotionals to the Ancient Greek pantheon . The English author John Fransham (1730–1810) was one example, considered an eccentric by his peers, who

4214-490: The end, many of them come to the crazy conclusion that Plethon must be assessed as a heretic. Though when Plethon's presentation of Zeus as the 'father' of Poseidon and Kronos is compared to the Derveni papyrus (discovered in 1962), Plethon appears less the heretic. The Derveni Papyrus recounts an Orphic cosmology, one in which the world of today is Zeus' creation. The new order of the world arises from Zeus after he swallows

4300-420: The ethics of Aristotle , Stoic philosophy and more. Eusebeia (Εὐσέβεια) is often translated as "piety" or "reverent conduct" (towards gods or parents), "reverence," "respect." Eusebeia is the basic practice of Hellenic Religion, fundamental in every way. Eusebeia is the attitude and practice of showing respect and reverence to the Gods and parents. The Delphic Maxims say "Follow God" ( Έπου θεώ ), "Worship

4386-581: The fourth century BCE by the Hekatomnids that ultimately led to its seizure in 334 BCE by Alexander the Great . The acropolis contributed significantly to the overall development that took place during the Hellenistic empires. This acropolis was the earliest place of settlement, probably dating back to the third millennium BCE. During excavations that took place in 1989, ceramic items, terracotta figurines, coins, bone and stone objects were found that date to

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4472-460: The fourth century BCE. The fortification wall and bastion that are built at this acropolis uses a style of masonry, commonly known as the Greek word ἔμπλεκτον (meaning "woven"). This style of masonry was likely used for weight-bearing purposes. The Acropolis at Halieis dates back to the Neolithic and Classical periods. It included a fortified wall, sanctuary of Apollo (two temples, an altar,

4558-439: The gods. Hellenism has historically been a pluralistic religion with beliefs ranging between polytheism , animism and monism , although a Hellenist may hold beliefs that fall into all of these categories. Additionally, there are other interpretations of divinity in line with Hellenistic philosophies, like Epicureanism . Hellenism is, in practice, primarily centered around polytheistic and animistic worship. Devotees worship

4644-497: The gods." Revivalists view the tradition as a living, changing religion. Hellenic Revivalism allows room for practitioners to decide what feels right to them, and to adapt historical religious practices to modern life. Hellenists and other self described pagans/polytheists typically engage in reconstructionism , a methodology that attempts to accurately base modern religious practice on the imitation of culturally and historically genuine examples of ancient religious practices. The term

4730-471: The improvement of all aspects of one's existence. In the Iliad and Odyssey of Homer , "arete" is used mainly to describe heroes and nobles and their mobile dexterity, with special reference to strength and courage, but it is not limited to this. Penelope 's arete, for example, relates to co-operation, for which she is praised by Agamemnon . The excellence of the gods generally included their power, but, in

4816-407: The intervening centuries, and some claim they were raised in families that practiced this religion. The revival of Hellenic religious identity is typically only part of a larger social movement of re-Hellenizing Greek identity in a comprehensive way, not only religious. This re-Hellenization movement is the current iteration of previous attempts to revive Hellenism. The first to promote such efforts

4902-549: The masterless personal soul, a heightened regard for nature and an interest in supernatural themes, including both magic and Pagan, especially Classical Greek, religion. Many proponents of Romanticism wrote poems inspired by figures of Greek mythology. One example of this is found in the poem " The World Is Too Much with Us " written c.  1802 by William Wordsworth and first published in 1807 in his poetry collection Poems, in Two Volumes . In it, Wordsworth criticises

4988-469: The modern day view it as a time to clear room for new things and complete projects in their personal lives. Kallynteria and Plynteria were two rituals that were connected to Arrhephoria in the way that they were both rituals prepared for Arrhephoria. Kallynteria was where Athenians cleans the shrine of Athena and making sure the eternal flame of Athena is re-lighted. While the Plynteria involved taking

5074-576: The most important values that people should follow in their everyday lives. Prominent concepts include, but are not restricted to: Eusebeia (piety), Arete (virtue), and Xenia (hospitality). These are rooted in the various ancient Greek values concepts that they look to for guidance and inspiration from the Tenets of Solon , the Delphic maxims , the Golden verses of Pythagoras , Epicurean philosophy ,

5160-418: The mysterious child of Hephaestus. Athena punishing the girls for breaking her trust made snakes appear out of the basket, and in terror the two girls jumped off the Acropolis to their deaths. The sanctuary of Aglauros lies at the foot of the cliff; it may have been the precinct to which the arrhephoroi descended. Pandrosos, who did not succumb to this fatal curiosity, has a shrine next to the sacred olive tree on

5246-605: The nomenclature of the Hellenic theology." Despite his apparent belief in the Hellenic gods, Fransham does not seem to have been particularly devoted to their worship. According to an 1875 profile in Fraser's Magazine , Fransham's " libations to the Penates found their way down his own throat , and when he sacrificed a fowl to 'Esculapius it was usually in the form of chicken- broth for his supper." Another example of an 18th-century literary figure who may have considered himself

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5332-520: The peplos (garments) for Athena. The aletrides ground the grain for Athena. The arktoi were the priestesses who celebrated a rite intended to forgive an offense against Artemis. The kanephoroi were the girls who carried the baskets with all of the offerings to the festival. Kanephoros were common place in rituals or feasts similar to Arrhephoria as it was a held position of honor in Ancient Athens. Archaeological evidence reveals that from near

5418-509: The priestess of Athena gives them to carry. Neither the priestess nor the girls know what it is she is giving them. In the city there is a sacred precinct not far from that of Aphrodite in the Garden and through it runs a natural underground passage. Here the virgins descend. Down below they leave behind what they have brought and take something else and carry it, veiled as it is. These two virgins are discharged forthwith and others are taken up to

5504-478: The question of animal sacrifice . Some are fine with the practice, while others do not engage in the practice at all. Some instead offer symbolic food of the animal that is sacrificed instead of the animal, often though not exclusively fruit, bread, or cakes. Worship generally takes the form of prayer , offerings , and setting up altars . Altars serve as the sacred place and focal point of worship to one or more given deities, where offerings and prayers are made to

5590-569: The relationship between Hellenic ethnic religion and the ancient Greek religion for 'continuity' is difficult as an outsider to the tradition, argued Vlassis G. Rassias : In the 19th century, many, especially German scholars, who were otherwise remarkable scholars, made the huge mistake of reconstructing a theology from the works of Homeros , who is only a poet. Hesiodos , on the other hand, who also engages in theogony , can also be seen as theology. But his works are not set in stone either. We see that when we look at Georgios Gemistos-Plethon , at

5676-749: The religion based on academic sources, rather than the religion itself, and not all Hellenic Polytheists are reconstructionists. Other organizations, such as Dodekatheon ( Δωδεκάθεον ), the Helliniki Hetaireia Archaiophilon (Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum), and the Thyrsos ( Θύρσος ) use a combination of terms interchangeably, including " elliniki thriskia " (" ἑλληνικὴ θρησκεία ", "Hellenic religion"), " Hellenic polytheistic religion ", and " Hellenism. " Other terms in common usage by Hellenic polytheists include "Greek reconstructionism" and "Hellenic Traditionalism," but

5762-480: The religion practiced by the ancient Greeks had been extinguished by the 9th century CE at the latest and that there is little to no evidence that it survived (in public form at least) past the Middle Ages . (In certain isolated areas it survived until the 12th century; see Tsakonia and Maniots .) Greek Dodecatheon member Panagiotis Marinis has claimed that the religion of ancient Greece survived throughout

5848-474: The robes and jewelry from the cult statue of Athena where they would cleanse all removed from the statue and taken to the coast. They would rinse the items from the statue in salt water and then return them back to the statue after they were cleansed. Acropolis An acropolis was the settlement of an upper part of an ancient Greek city, especially a citadel , and frequently a hill with precipitous sides, mainly chosen for purposes of defense. The term

5934-539: The royal figures of Pedras Negras in Guatemala. Acropolises today have become the epicenters of tourism and attraction sites in many modern-day Greek cities. The Athenian Acropolis, in particular, is the most famous, and has the best vantage point in Athens, Greece. Today, tourists can purchase tickets to visit the Athenian Acropolis, including walking, sightseeing, and bus tours, as well as a classic Greek dinner. Because of its classical Hellenistic and Greco-Roman style,

6020-559: The ruins of Mission San Juan Capistrano's Great Stone Church in California, United States has been called an American Acropolis. The civilization developed its religious, educational, and cultural aspects of the acropolis, and is used today as a location that holds events, such as operas. The neighborhood of Morningside Heights in New York City is commonly referred to as the "Academic Acropolis" due to its high elevation and

6106-520: The severed phallus , the last act in a series of overthrowings of the ruling figure. In doing this, Zeus contained all things within himself and remade the world and regenerated all the Gods and Goddess once more, being King and 'father' to all things. This aligns with the writings of Plethon. In the Book of Laws, Zeus "existed from all eternity", "not born of any other ... he is self-father [αὐτοπάτορα] ... has no other father than himself ... he

6192-549: The term 'ancient Greek religion' as a catch-all term in Greece, in order to differentiate it from the Orthodox religion which is also sometimes presented as the 'national religion'. Followers of "ancient Greek religion" in Greece argue that the term "ancient" is not appropriate, as they claim their beliefs have been continuously practiced, sometimes secretly, and are still alive today. Ancient Greek religion has manifested itself as 'known religion' (γνωστή θρησκεία) in Greece through

6278-411: The two are not synonymous. The American group Elaion uses the term "Dodekatheism" ( Greek : δώδεκα , dodeka , "twelve" + θεϊσμός , theïsmós , "belief in the gods") to describe their approach to the Hellenic religion, stating that the term "has been used for some time within and outside Greece to refer to ancient Greek religion and we feel that it is important for those of us outside Greece share

6364-582: The two religious names, Hellenic Ethnic Religion and Ancient Hellenic Religion . Hellenic Ethnic Religion is represented by the Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes ( Greek : Ύπατο Συμβούλιο των Ελλήνων Εθνικών) while Ancient Hellenic Religion is represented by Ellinais (Hellenic Ancient-Religious Holy Society) ( Greek : ΕΛΛΗΝ.Α.Ι.Σ - Ελλήνων Αρχαιοθρήσκων Ιερόν Σωματείον) Various religious movements reviving or reconstructing ancient Greek religious practices have been publicly emerging since

6450-638: The west part of the structure (the Erechtheion), as well as the Parthenon itself. Most excavations have been able to provide archaeologists with samples of pottery, ceramics, and vessels. The excavation of the Acropolis of Halieis produced remains that provided context that dated the Acropolis at Halieis from the Final Neolithic period through the first Early Helladic period. Hellenism (religion) Hellenism ( Greek : Ἑλληνισμός ) in

6536-536: The world of the early 19th century as materialistic and as removing itself from nature. Towards the end of the poem, Wordsworth wishes he was a pagan who believes in the Greek gods instead of a Christian even though he considers paganism outdated because he thinks that life would have more meaning that way. As Wordsworth himself put it: Great God! I'd rather be A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; So might I, standing on this pleasant lea, Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn; Have sight of Proteus rising from

6622-526: The world since one of the main hallmarks is group gatherings and public festival celebrations. Etic observations from a distance by classical scholars, describe contemporary practices as inauthentic and therefore irrelevant or remain open on the issue. British classicist Mary Beard criticized Greek Hellenist worshippers, saying, "until these eager neo-pagans get real and slaughter a bull or two in central Athens, I shan't worry that they have much to do with ancient religion at all", later commented that, "I think I

6708-409: The worship of Hellenic deities , namely the twelve Olympians . Greeks who identify their religion and way of life with Hellenism are commonly referred to as Εθνικοί Έλληνες (Ethnic Hellenes). Non-Greek devotees of the Greek gods who embody Hellenic ideals are commonly referred to as Hellenists. Modern Hellenism is sometimes referred to as a Pagan religion; this classification is also at times used as

6794-529: Was a moral obligation. Hospitality towards foreign Hellenes honored Zeus Xenios (and Athene Xenia ), patrons of foreigners. In aristocratic circles, as early as the Homeric epics, it was as a sort of fictitious kinship, cemented not only by ties of hospitality and gift exchange but by an obligation to promote the interests of the xenos. Theoxenia is a theme in Greek mythology in which human beings demonstrate their virtue or piety by extending hospitality to

6880-484: Was also referred to as a pagan and a polytheist. In Fransham's 1769 book The Oestrum of Orpheus , he advanced a theology similar to that of the Neoplatonists : that the first cause of existence is uncreated and indestructible, but not intelligent, and that the universe is shaped by "innumerable intelligent powers or forces, 'plastic and designing', who ruled all sublunary affairs, and may most fitly be designated by

6966-510: Was built at the highest part of a city, it served as a highly functional form of protection, a fortress, and was as well as a home to the royal of a city and a centre for religion through the worshipping of different gods. There have been many classical and ancient acropolises, including the most commonly-known, Acropolis of Athens , as well as the Tepecik Acropolis at Patara , Ankara Acropolis, Acropolis of La Blanca , Acropolis at

7052-678: Was considered for the Catholic papacy twice. In a letter recounting the news of his teacher's death, Bessarion says that Plethon has left to "dance with the Olympian Gods" ( να χορέψει μαζί με τους Ολυμπίους Θεούς ) and honors Plethon by claiming him to be the reincarnation of Plato based on the "teachings of the Pythagoreans and Plato about the endless ascent and descent of souls" ( διδαχές των Πυθαγορείων και του Πλάτωνα περί ατέλειωτης ανόδου και καθόδου των ψυχών ). In 1458, just

7138-420: Was designed by McKim, Mead & White in the early 20th century. Much of the modern-day uses of acropolises have been discovered through excavations that have developed over the course of many years. For example, the Athenian Acropolis includes a Great Temple that holds the Parthenon, a specific space for ancient worship. Through today's findings and research, the Parthenon treasury is able to be recognized as

7224-489: Was really responding to the claims made by this group that they were reviving ancient paganism. I am absolutely ok with the idea that religions change. I was reacting to their claims to be a modern version of ancient 'paganism'." American classicist, Sarah Iles Johnston affirmed contemporary practice. "The bricolage and re-imaginings of contemporary Pagans is not entirely different from that of ancient Greek religious culture and that even classical scholars inevitably re-imagine

7310-541: Was the late Byzantine philosopher Georgios Gemistus Plethon in the 15th century. It was in Mystras , in the Despotate of the Morea , that Plethon formed a 'circle' of students. It is through Plethon and his students that many ethnic Greeks today trace their teachings and practices and give credit for tradition's survival to the present day. Two notable students of Plethon include the historian Laonikos Chalkokondyles and Bessarion . Bessarion, educated in neoplatonism,

7396-480: Was well known as a spot for holy worshipping, and was symbolic of the time. It has also been a place that has historically recognized the legislative changes that Turkey has faced.    The Acropolis of La Blanca was created in Guatemala as a small ancient Maya settlement and archaeological site that is located adjacent to the Salsipuedes River. This acropolis developed as a place of residence for

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