Kouros and Arachaic Greek Religion

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

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The Archaic and Classical periods of Greek history can be placed between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE. Greek religion at this time possessed a number of salient characteristics that need to be borne in mind.

First, it was polytheistic: the Greeks believed in the existence of many gods who ruled over various aspects of natural, social, and political life. There was no one god or even one principle which ruled over the entire universe. Even the gods themselves didn't rule over the entire universe - they came into existence long after the universe did and were as much creatures of the universe as were humans. More powerful and immortal, yes, but not supernatural in the sense of the Christian God.

Second, Greek religion was tradition-bound and had no place for revelations, prophets, or messiahs. Religion was not a system of doctrines handed down by God but, rather, a way of living. Greek religion was not dogmatic or strictly defined, but it did permeate everything people did. Different Greeks might not agree on all the details, but abandoning the core beliefs of Greek religion would have been tantamount to abandoning the Greek language - it was simply inconceivable.

This does not mean, however, that the Greeks believed blindly and without critical reflection. Individual stories about the gods existed in enough known variations that it was obvious that one couldn't take everything literally. Furthermore, it was also well-known that other religions and belief systems existed. No one was required to accept any one story or any one interpretation in order to be considered pious. Adherence to the traditional rites and rhythms of Greek life were more than sufficient to demonstrate that one belonged.

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