Space and the notion of final frontier*

Abstract

The Classical Athenians were careful to separate the spaces of men from the spaces of gods. Yet when we look at the Athenian house, religious areas cannot be distinguished. This paper offers an investigation of how religious boundaries may be created by action and perception rather than bricks and mortar. Scholars of ancient Greek religion should not expect to see the permanence of public cult mirrored in domestic settings. One single, domestic space could host many activities; its meaning could be changed by ritual behaviour. The temporary nature of domestic space allowed the residents of the Athenian house the freedom to use their domestic spaces according to their needs, thus integrating the lives of gods and men in one location.