The Presence of Death in the Public Space in Classical Athens: Displays and Suppressions, I: The Death of Animals
Abstract
Coping with dying and death varies in different epochs and cultures, and always reveals close connection to other features and values typical for the given epoch or culture. The study attempts to reconstruct, in outline, typical experience of death in classical Athens in the 5th and 4th Centuries B.C., its relation to the private-public dichotomy, and the regulative role of the state.
The main question is whether death was permitted to intrude into the public space. Part I. deals with the death of animals.
First, it offers an overview of animal sacrifices and related blood rituals performed at regular basis by priests, state officials and private persons. Second, it explores Athenian fondness for cockfighting and promotion of this bloody entertainment to an official sport.
Afterward, hunting is mentioned briefly to show that in Athens, contrary to Sparta or Crete, this more aristocratic sport was not as widespread and important as cockfighting. In conclusion, it is revealed that the presence of animal's death in the public space was not only tolerated but also expected and required.