2. In Ancient Greece, the
people had a series of beliefs
that helped them
understand themselves and
the world around them. The
Greek religion was based on
the existence of twelve gods
and goddesses who ruled
the universe from Mount
Olympus. Each of them
represented something, and
therefore the ancient Greeks
worshipped specific gods for
different reasons.
3. Zeus: greek god of heaven and
king of Olympus
Zeus was the most powerful of
the Greek gods. As god of
heaven and King of Olympus,
his temperament affected the
climate. Zeus also ruled over all
other gods and goddesses, so
he was worshipped in most
ancient Greek homes through
altars, shrines, and daily
offerings. Zeus had the power
to change his form and was also
married to the queen of the
gods, Hera.
4. Poseidon: greek god of the sea
as god of the sea and brother of
Zeus
Poseidon was one of the most
powerful Greek gods. Like Zeus,
Poseidon's temperament
controlled the seas, so sailors
prayed to him before the trips to
ensure a safe passage.
5. Athena: Greek goddess of
war and wisdom
Daughter of Zeus, Athena
was the goddess of battle
strategy and wisdom, with its
sacred symbols being the owl
and the olive tree. Athena
had no mother, she was born
directly from Zeus's head
using armor! As the goddess
of strategy in battle, she is
the female counterpart of
Ares. Athena is the patron
goddess of the Greek city,
Athens.
6. Aphrodite: Greek goddess of
love and beauty
Aphrodite was greatly
worshipped as goddess of
love and beauty in many of
the cities that made up
ancient Greece. As goddess
of love and fertility,
Aphrodite's symbols were
doves, roses, swans and
sparrows. Aphrodite was
believed to be Zeus's
daughter or had emerged
from the sea on a shell.
7. Apolo: god of the sun, music,
poetry and art
Apolo was the ancient Greek
god of the sun, music, poetry,
art, dance, archery and healing.
Son of Zeus, Apollo played
music for the Greek gods and
goddesses with his golden lyre.
Apollo also taught humans the
art of medicine, and is
sometimes known as the
“healer” for having the ability to
cure people from disease, but
also to transmit infections to
those who angry him.
