INTERSECTION OF RITUAL PRACTICE AND SOCIAL IDENTITY IN ANCIENT GREEK RELIGION

Antonia I  Kapeleri

##article.authors##

Antonia I Kapeleri PhD. High school philologist, Former Researcher at the Foundation of the Hellenic World, Athens, Greece. ##default.groups.name.author##

##semicolon##

Ancient Greek Religion, Ritual Practice, gender roles, mystery cults, Social Identity.

##article.abstract##

In ancient Greek society, religion was not merely a matter of personal faith or individual spirituality; it was a deeply ingrained aspect of public and private life that permeated every layer of society. Ritual practices, including sacrifices, festivals, and mystery cults, were central to the expression of Greek religiosity. These rituals were not just religious acts but also powerful tools for constructing and reinforcing social identities. This paper explores the intersection of ritual practice and social identity in ancient Greek religion, focusing on how these practices shaped gender roles, civic identity, and social hierarchies.