Basilinna

The role dated to the time when Athens was ruled by kings, and their wives acted as priestesses (Hiereiai).

[1] The duties of the basilinna are described in the pseudo-Demosthenic speech Against Neaira,[1] which is the main source of evidence about the position.

[2] The laws which set out the qualifications for a basilinna were inscribed on a stele which stood in the sanctuary of Dionysus at Limnai.

She was expected to be of Athenian birth and not previously married,[3] though Noel Robertson argues that these requirements may have been ignored as inconvenient.

[5] The basilinna was also responsible for administering an oath to the gerarai, women priests apparently appointed by the archon basileus.