Abstract

CALDERON SANCHEZ, Macarena. Two Boeotian Priestesses, One of the Goddess Demeter, the Other of Isis, linked to Dionysus. Nova tellus [online]. 2024, vol.42, n.1, pp.11-24.  Epub Apr 19, 2024. ISSN 0185-3058.  https://doi.org/10.19130/iifl.nt.2024.42.1/278500x0100sx031.

In this article I aim to investigate the role of two ancient Greek priestesses from the region of Boeotia. In doing so, I further asses the relationship of these women not only with the goddesses they honoured, but also with Dionysus, a versatile and agglutinating divinity who played a leading role in that region. The following lines are intended as part of a broader study of priestesses of Dionysus (or priestesses of other divinities related to this god) in ancient Greece, a subject that has been little studied. It should be noted that the study examines the Greek term ἱέρεια and a derivative (the generic name of “priestess” in ancient Greece given to women who exercised the priesthood in civic cults) found in epigraphic texts. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of epigraphic sources because they provide data on real figures or historically verifiable personages who took part in the cult of the divinities, as opposed to literary sources, which often focus on anecdotal aspects.

Keywords : Dionysus; Demeter; Isis; Boeotia; Priestess.

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