The Priesthood

The family medium, with the increase in power of his god and of his people, also shared the growth in importance. He became a tribal priest, and, when his god became a national or major god, he became a high priest with exceedingly great power. The position, like other social positions, became hereditary in the male line. He inherited not merely the

– 15 –

position but he learned and transmitted the correct ritual and observances that developed through successive generations. He became a scholar versed in the mythology of his culture, and he was responsible for making additions to the expanding theology. He built up taboos around his god and around himself. He made known the requirements of his god to the people through direct possession or by interpreting various omens that were manifestations of the divine will.