Topics (move over topic to see place in topic list)
12 Assyrian Identity
12 Assyrian Identity
03 Religious festivals, cults, rituals and practices
05 Scientific knowledge and scholarly lore
12 Assyrian Identity
03 Religious festivals, cults, rituals and practices
12 Assyrian Identity
03 Religious festivals, cults, rituals and practices
Keywords
Hierapolis
priests
Period
2nd century CE
Roman Empire
Channel
Helleno-Roman philosophers and scholars
Text
pseudo-Lucian, De Dea Syria 42-44: Many priests have been appointed for the inhabitants, some of whom slaughter the sacrificial beasts, and some bear the libations. Others are called “Fire-bearers” and others “Altar Attendants.” While I was there more than three hundred attended the sacrifice. Their robes are entirely white, and they wear a tall conical hat (πῖλος) on their head. A different high priest takes office each year. He alone wears purple and is crowned with a golden tiara. There is also another group of holy men, flute players, pipers, and Galli, as well as women, who are frenzied and deranged. Sacrifice is performed twice each day, and everyone comes to it. They sacrifice to Zeus in silence, neither singing nor playing the flute, but when they begin the ceremony to Hera, they sing and play flutes and shake rattles. They were unable to give me a clear explanation about this custom.
Attridge, H. W. and R. A. Oden. The Syrian Goddess (De Dea Syria), Attributed to Lucian. Graeco-Roman Religion 1. Missoula: Scholars Press for the Society of Biblical Literature 1976.
