Hierophylakes, also known as hierodidaskaloi, hieronomoi, or hierophantai,[1] were priests for the
Eumolpidae[2] involved in performing acts of
sacrifice.[3]
Pausanias stated that new hierophantai were elected every
quadrennial, and so individuals did not maintain an existence within this role for their life-time. He also stated that they might marry if they wished to do so known as, lambanein gynaika.[2]
They are also mentioned in the HGK 1 inscription, an important component of the state calendar created in
Kos about 360 B.C. which lists the officials present at sacrifices. The Hierophylakes alongside an
archeuontes are noted to make a preliminary announcement before the sacrifice of an
oxen.[4]
The Hierophylakes as a role is also mentioned during the early
Roman Empire in a votive inscription to
Tiberius and
Livia.[5]