hierodouli

Hierodouloi were temple slaves or temple prostitutes who worked in the ancient Greek and Roman world. The term "hierodouloi" is derived from the Greek words "hieros" meaning "sacred" or "holy" and "doulos" meaning "slave" or "servant".

In the context of ancient Greek and Roman religions, hierodouloi were individuals who were dedicated to a particular deity or temple. They were often serving in sacred prostitution, which was believed to ensure the fertility of the crops and the temple's gods. Hierodouloi were typically young women who were either sold into slavery, given or sold to the temple by their families, or captured in wars.

The hierodouli received food, shelter, and other necessities in exchange for their services. Their lives were often rigidly regimented, with set working hours and minimal freedom. While they were technically slaves, the hierarchical structure of the temple often meant that they had a degree of autonomy and even influence within their roles.

Hierodouli could be found in various temples throughout the ancient Mediterranean. The practice of sacred prostitution was widespread in the area, although its exact nature and extent are debated among scholars. In some cases, hierodouli were used as a means of ensuring the fertility of a region, while in others they were believed to have healing properties or be guardians of sacred knowledge. As the practice of sacred prostitution declined in the Roman Empire, the term hierodouloi largely fell out of use.