global-journal-of-human-social-science-d-history-archaeology-anthropology Global Journal of Human-Social Science - D: History, Archaeology & Anthropology 0975-587X 2249-460X Global Journals Publishing Group Incorporated 10.34257/GJHSS83702 83702 Sacrifices Among the Ancient Greeks: Communion with the Divine Sacrifice and Divine Favor in Ancient Greece PortoVagner Carvalheiro RibeiroMárcia Cristina Lacerda BRAZIL 24 03 2025 25 D1 11 30

This article explores the role of sacrificial rituals in ancient Greek religious practices, emphasizing their function as a means of establishing and maintaining communion between mortals and the divine. Sacrifices were integral to both individual and collective life, marking key transitions such as birth, initiation, warfare, and civic celebrations. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining literary, iconographic, and archaeological sources, this study examines the typologies of offerings, the material and symbolic significance of altars as the focal point of ritual activity, and the complex interplay between sacrificial practices and sociopolitical structures. Particular attention is given to the ideological and performative dimensions of blood sacrifices, as well as to the debated phenomenon of human sacrifice. By analyzing a broad spectrum of evidence, this article contributes to a nuanced understanding of how ritualized violence functioned as a mechanism of religious expression, social cohesion, and power negotiation in the ancient Greek world.

 greek sacrifice ritualized violence sacred altars divine communion religious practice human sacrifice sacrifices among ancient greeks communion with the divine altar ritual human sacrifices literature archaeology iconography Full Text

This article explores the role of sacrificial rituals in ancient Greek religious practices, emphasizing their function as a means of establishing and maintaining communion between mortals and the divine. Sacrifices were integral to both individual and collective life, marking key transitions such as birth, initiation, warfare, and civic celebrations. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining literary, iconographic, and archaeological sources, this study examines the typologies of offerings, the material and symbolic significance of altars as the focal point of ritual activity, and the complex interplay between sacrificial practices and sociopolitical structures. Particular attention is given to the ideological and performative dimensions of blood sacrifices, as well as to the debated phenomenon of human sacrifice. By analyzing a broad spectrum of evidence, this article contributes to a nuanced understanding of how ritualized violence functioned as a mechanism of religious expression, social cohesion, and power negotiation in the ancient Greek world.