The Significance of Money for the Cults and Sanctuaries of Demeter and Kore: The Shaping of the Cults by Commercial Transactions

Abstract

The monetarization of the markets accelerated in the 5th century BCE led to the monetarization of the cults. The mercantile logic and money-oriented society shaped the transaction between the worshippers and the cults of Demeter. The relationship to deities was regulated by ‘do ut des’, i.e. one gives something so that the deity may give something in return. The epigraphic sources from the 5th and 4th centuries BCE give insight into the finances of the Eleusinian cult and illustrate the extent of monetarization of the cult of Demeter. Animal sacrifices, aparche, and priestly share were also partially replaced by money. Coins found at various sanctuaries of Demeter were deposited as votives and treasuries.

Keywords

• Coin hoard
• fees
• aparche
• priestly share
• Eleusinian Mysteries
• Demeter