Death and Burial

Ancient Greek Views on Death

The ancient Greeks viewed death as a natural part of life.
The soul was separated from the body and moved to Hades, the afterlife realm ruled by the god of the same name.
Life in Hades was considered a shadowy and less vital existence, a reflection of the life the deceased had led.
The ancient Greeks believed in eternity, but not in the sense of heavenly bliss or torment.

Funeral Rites and Ceremonies

Funeral rites were an important part of Greek life because they ensured the deceased’s smooth transition to the afterlife.
Funerals were often public events, attended by a large number of people.
Families held funeral banquets to honour the deceased. The rituals could be costly but were deemed as necessary.
The deceased was usually prepared for burial by the women of the family, who washed and anointed the body.

Burial Procedures

The dead body was either buried or cremated based on prevalent local customs or personal preferences.
Grave goods, such as jewellery, pottery, or even food and drink, were often buried with the deceased.
Burials were held outside of the city walls in necropolises or graveyards as it was considered a polluting act.
Wealthier Greeks often interred their dead in marble sarcophagi or stone stelae that were inscribed with epitaphs.

Death in Mythology

Mythological stories involving Hades and Persephone provide insight into the Greek belief and system of the afterlife.
Heroes like Hercules and Odysseus are depicted in myths as travelling to the underworld and returning, providing a glimpse into the landscape of the afterlife.
Some figures, such as Orpheus, unsuccessfully attempted to bring loved ones back from the dead, illustrating the Greek belief in the finality of death.
The story of Psyche who was forced to complete tasks in the underworld for Aphrodite also illuminates ancient Greek perceptions of the afterlife.