Asebeia

Asebeia was a Greek term referring to impiety or irreverence towards the gods, encompassing actions or beliefs considered offensive to the established religious norms of ancient Greece. It wasn't simply a lack of religious belief, but rather active disrespect or transgression against the divine order and its associated rituals and traditions. Accusations of asebeia were often politically motivated and carried significant social and legal consequences, potentially leading to exile or execution. The specific actions that constituted asebeia could vary depending on the city-state and the prevailing religious sentiments of the time. Examples included denying the existence of the gods, desecrating temples, introducing new and unauthorized deities, or engaging in practices considered blasphemous.