Classics Projects with URSS 2025

Julia Tryc: Intermediaries of the Divine

Priestesses, power and prophecy in Athens and Delphi

While most of history is focused on male political and religious figures, this study will highlight the relevance of often over-looked women who played significant roles in ancient religion. My project is concerned with exploring the lives, roles, status and influence of priestesses in Ancient Greece.

This project will examine these figures, the rituals they performed and how their roles varied depending on the sanctuary they served. It will also give a deeper insight into the influence of women in a society broadly regarded as male-dominated, shedding light on the way religion provided an important and unique space for women to hold authority.

I would like to engage a wider audience by creating a blog that is dedicated to sharing accessible and engaging content that highlights my key findings, insights from my primary research and site visits. I have developed this blog with the idea that it can be used as a school resource that will make complex topics from ancient history accessible and easy to understand. Through this approach I will be able to connect with teachers and students, by building interest in ancient history and encouraging discussions beyond academic groups. I believe the creation of this resource will be useful and inspiring, especially for those studying the Classical Civilisation A-Level Greek Religion module.