Who Were the Priest in the Ancient Times?

In ancient times, priests held immense power and influence in society. They were often considered as the intermediaries between the people and the gods. Ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome all had their own versions of priests.

Who were the Priests?

Priests were individuals who were believed to have a special connection with the divine. They acted as mediators between the gods and humans in matters of worship, sacrifice, and divination. They were responsible for performing religious ceremonies, interpreting omens, and providing guidance to their followers.

The Role of Priests

The role of priests varied from culture to culture. In ancient Egypt, priests played a central role in maintaining Ma’at – the concept of order and balance in the universe.

They oversaw daily temple rituals and performed duties such as mummification. In ancient Greece, priests oversaw the sacrifices made to various gods at temples across the city-states. They also acted as healers and advisers to those seeking guidance.

Priesthood Hierarchies

Priesthood hierarchies were prevalent in many ancient societies. In Mesopotamia, for example, there were different levels of priesthood that corresponded with different deities.

The highest-ranking priest was known as the en-priest or chief priest. In ancient Rome, there were two main types of priests – pontiffs who oversaw public religion and augurs who interpreted omens.

Priestly Attire

Priests often wore distinctive clothing that set them apart from ordinary people. In ancient Egypt, for example, they wore white linen robes with a leopard-skin cape during ceremonies. In ancient Greece, they wore long robes called chitons that covered both arms down to their wrists.

Conclusion

Overall, priests played an important role in ancient societies. They were seen as the link between the people and the divine, and were responsible for maintaining religious order and performing important ceremonies. While their role may have evolved over time, their influence on ancient cultures cannot be denied.