VISITING RITES

Before entering political office, an Athenian underwent a public examination, the dokimasia, to determine whether he fulfilled the legal requirements of full Athenian citizenship. Among the questions were: “[Do you] have family tombs, and where are they?” (Aristotle, Athenian Constitution 55.3). The responsibility of visiting family tombs, along with the performance of customary rites, was of considerable importance to Athenians in Classical times. To guarantee the continuation of such tomb-cult rites, a childless person was willing to adopt an heir to ensure that his remains received appropriate attention from the living. The necessary rituals were predominantly fulfilled by female relatives. After particular rites were conducted at the graveside on the third, ninth, and thirtieth day after the death, later commemorative visits were paid annually. Visiting the tomb was facilitated by…