hierodouloi

Hierodouloi, a Greek term often translated as "temple slaves" or "sacred servants," referred to individuals dedicated to the service of a specific deity or religious sanctuary in ancient Greece. These individuals were not chattel slaves in the typical sense, though their status was certainly dependent and lacked freedom. Instead, they were often individuals who had been dedicated to a temple for various reasons. This dedication could be voluntary, as an act of devotion or to seek divine favor, or it could be involuntary, such as a punishment or a consequence of debt.

The roles and responsibilities of hierodouloi varied greatly depending on the sanctuary and the deity they served. They might perform manual labor, such as cleaning the temple grounds, tending to livestock belonging to the sanctuary, or assisting in agricultural work. Others held more specialized roles, like preparing ritual offerings, maintaining sacred objects, or even acting as attendants for priests and priestesses. Their lives were regulated by the rules and customs of the specific sanctuary.

The legal and social standing of hierodouloi was complex. While they were under the authority of the temple and its officials, they were also considered to be under the protection of the deity. This often afforded them a degree of security and potentially better treatment than ordinary slaves. Some hierodouloi might eventually gain their freedom, though this was not a common occurrence. The concept of hierodouloi highlights the intertwined nature of religion and social structure in ancient Greek society.