noun
- sacred slaves or temple servants in ancient religions, especially those dedicated to serving deities
Usage: historical; ancient religions
Examples
- The hierodules maintained the temple grounds and performed daily rituals.
- Ancient Greek temples often employed hierodules to assist with religious ceremonies.
- Historians study the role of hierodules in understanding ancient religious practices.
- The hierodules were considered sacred individuals devoted to the service of the gods.
- Archaeological evidence suggests hierodules lived within temple complexes.
- The status of hierodules varied significantly across different ancient civilizations.