Ancient History Competition 26
Since Manolis forgot all about me, I decided to set up another question. This is for dedicated specialists to the subject.
In the Hellenistic period, what would the civic authorities do in order to consol the families who were in mourning, because of the loss of a family member? I know at least two researchers who would know the answer, Riet van Bremen and Charlotte Roueche (hint!).
On occasion the civic authorities would praise with a paramythetic decree the virtuousness of the deceased and grant them state funeral. Additionally, the bestowal of public honours posthumously and the heroization (αφηρωισμός) of the deceased are also attested in inscriptions. This was not unusual for the offsprings of the elite families, who were often benefactors in their cities, while the civic authorities aspired for more benefactions. I would reckon that this trend was more common during the imperial times.
Excellent answer. Consolation Decrees (paramythia) existed for exactly the reasons you outlined!