GODS of the Ancient Greeks
In Greek society loyalties were focused around one’s polis (city-state). Despite this they were able to unite and defeat the Army and navy of the Persian Empire .
Greeks considered themselves civilized and considered outsiders to be barbaric.
Greek culture is focused on their government, art, architecture, philosophy, and sport. Athens was intensely proud of its creation of democracy, and citizens took part in civic duties. Cities commissioned artists and architects to honor their gods and beautify their cities.
Greek philosophers, mathematicians, and thinkers are still honored in society today.
As a religious people, the Greeks worshipped a number of pagan gods through sacrifices, rituals, and festivals.
Every element of Greek life had a god. To the Greeks, this was a way to explain the world and its mysteries.
Zeus was the king or creator of the gods, god of the sky, weather, thunder,lighting, law, order and justice.
Poseiden was the god of the sea,
Aphrodirite godess of beauty, love, desire and pleasure,
Apollo god of music, arts and knowledge,
Ares, god of courage, war bloodshed and violence,
Athena goddess of wisdom, intelligence, skill and peace,
Diomysus- god of wine, festivals, parties, madness chaos and drunkeness.,
Heres- god of travel, trade, communication, language and writing;
Hera- queen of the gods, goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings and empires , and
Hades- Lord of the underworld and the dead, but also wealth.
Ancient Greek culture covers over a thousand years of history, from the earliest civilizations in the area to the cultures that became the Ancient Greeks. Following a Greek Dark Age, Greece once more flourished and developed into the ancient culture that we recognize today .