hecatomb etymology

Etymology of Hecatomb:

The word "hecatomb" is derived from the Ancient Greek words:

  • ἑκατόν (hekatón): "hundred"
  • βοῦς (bous): "ox"

Meaning and Origin:

A hecatomb is a sacrifice of 100 oxen to a deity. This large-scale sacrifice was a significant religious ritual performed in the Ancient Greek and Roman cultures.

Origins:

The practice of offering hecatombs has its roots in the ancient belief in the obligation to give something in return for divine favor or protection. According to historian Diodorus Siculus, the first hecatomb was offered by Hercules to Zeus after winning a battle against the Molionides.

Significance:

Hecatombs were considered supreme sacrifices, reserved for the most important gods and on special occasions such as:

  • Victories in war
  • Celebrations of great events
  • Purification rites
  • Supplication for divine favor

Scale:

The scale of a hecatomb was immense. The killing and burning of 100 oxen required a vast amount of resources, labor, and coordination. It was a costly and labor-intensive undertaking that demonstrated the piety and devotion of the sacrificer.

Decline:

With the rise of Christianity, the practice of hecatombs gradually declined. However, the term "hecatomb" continues to be used metaphorically to refer to a large-scale slaughter or destruction.

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