Did Ancient Greeks Practice Human Sacrifice?

Discussing the practice of human sacrifice in ancient Greek society is complex and often controversial. It is true that there were instances where human sacrifice did occur, though these were rare and usually associated with extreme circumstances or belief systems deeply embedded in Greek mythology.

Historical Cases of Human Sacrifice

One of the earliest documented instances of human sacrifice in Greek history is believed to have taken place in Arcadia. According to historians, during a period of crisis, sailors and combatants were driven to the brink of frenzy and resorted to sacrificing Persian prisoners. Another notable case involves the legendary King Agamemnon, who is said to have sacrificed one of his daughters during the Trojan War.

The most famous recorded case of human sacrifice in ancient Greece is during the Persian invasion of 480 BC. Plutarch's account in Themistocles XIII.2 describes the preparation for the battle of Salamis, where Greek forces insisted on sacrificing a group of Persian captives. According to Plutarch, three handsome Persian captives, believed to be the sons of the King's sister, were brought to Themistocles. A seer named Euphrantides observed a favourable sign and advised the sacrifice, which was carried out despite Themistocles' initial hesitation.

The Blurry Line Between Sacrifice and Punishment

The practice of human sacrifice was not limited to battles or major events. In some instances, the line between sacrifice and criminal punishment was blurred. In Rhodes, the practice of sacrificing a condemned man to Saturn persisted for a long time. This practice involved keeping a condemned man in prison until a festival known as the Saturnalia, after which he was brought out, given wine, and then killed. This custom eventually evolved into a more humane method of sacrifice.

A similar case is documented by Porphyry, who mentions other instances of human sacrifice for magical purposes, often clandestinely conducted to avoid the scrutiny of mainstream civic religions. For instance, some people practiced illegal human sacrifice for magical purposes, particularly in remote areas like Arcadia, known for its mysterious and isolated nature.

Contemporary Archaeological Evidence

Recently, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that suggests human sacrifice was still practiced in some remote areas of Greece, such as the wilds of Arcadia, even in the time of Plato. Some of these findings provide tangible evidence that challenges previous academic views on the extent of human sacrifice in ancient Greece.

While human sacrifice was not a routine practice, its occasional occurrence during times of crisis or under specific circumstances underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of Greek religious and social practices.

Conclusion

Human sacrifice in ancient Greece was neither a common nor an everyday occurrence. It was typically reserved for extreme situations or deeply rooted religious and mythological beliefs. Understanding the practice requires a nuanced approach, recognizing its rarity while acknowledging historical and archaeological evidence that suggests it did exist in some form.