The cult of heroism in Archaic Period of ancient Greek world

Heroes whose origins date back to the Mycenaean era and whose many species have appeared in the historical process become a part of a cult system in the Archaic Era. Occurence and its effectiveness över a large geographic area over a long period of time are related to its functional characterics. Their vision of being the symbol of force and proprietary of land turns into struggles for rights in ancient Greek cities, both in and between the cities. As time passes the religious interest are added to the political and economical functions. Thus the hero cult develops a religious nature with ritual practices that are periodically repeated in order to satisfy various needs. The understanding employs rituals such as sacred areas, altars, sacrificial rites that are repeated at determined intervals that are observed in many mystery cults in the antiquity is also included in this cult. Every act performed because of the nature of that understanding is considered a part of ritual prohibition of the explanation of some acts or entering some parts of the temples or sacred areas rendered the cult interesting and terrifying. Believing in the supernatural powers reinforced that understanding. The heroes and their stories constituting the subjects of the poems and epics of the Archaic Era where their extraordinary capabilities are often praised have got a historical reality under the mythical elements. There exaggerated realities are very valuable for the Greek civilization of the Archaic Era because too few sources of information are available on this subject. The hero cult is an important element of the ancient Greek religion and mythology. Key Words: Archaic Era, Ancient Greek Religion, Ancient Greek Mythology, Mystery Cults, Heroism Cults