Ancient Greek Gods

1. Religion was very important to the Ancient Greeks who believed that different gods and goddesses controlled everything in their lives.

2. The Greek gods were given human appearances, and had human characteristics and weaknesses.

3. Greek families said prayers to the gods every day at the altar in the courtyards of their houses.

4. The Greek built temples in towns as the gods’ earthly homes - these protected their statues and people came to make offerings.

5. Priests and priestesses were appointed to make sure that the gods were properly worshipped and that the temples were looked after.

6. Ancient Greeks made sacrifices, usually domestic animals, to the gods to keep them happy, or to bribe them for their help.

7. Religious ceremonies and festivals went on outside the temples.

8. Many festivals were held in honour of the gods to ensure future good fortune and success.

9. Ancient Greeks thought that the gods were divine beings who looked after all aspects of life and death.

10. All Greek gods were descendants of Gaia (the Earth) and Uranos (the sky).

11. Ancient Greeks believed that the 12 main gods lived on Mount Olympus as it was always cloudy and the summit couldn’t be seen.

12. The most powerful Geek god was Zeus, he and his brothers, Poseidon and Hades, killed their father and split his kingdom.

13. Zeus took the heavens and skies, Poseidon the seas and Hades the Underworld.

14. Zeus, the ruler of the Greek gods, was strong and powerful, controlling the heavens.

15. Zeus’ symbol was the thunderbolt which he hurled at those who displeased him.

16. Other Olympian gods were Poseidon, Apollo, Hephaestus, Ares, Hermes, Hera, Artemis, Aphrodite, Athena, Hestia and Demeter.

17. The Greek gods had supernatural strength and often appeared in different forms.

18. The twelve Olympian gods had a special diet of nectar and ambrosia to stop them growing old.

19. Ancient Greeks believed the future could be foretold - they would visit oracles who could communicate with the gods.

20. Ancient Greeks liked to consult the oracles before making decisions, they could also ask them about personal, or national problems.

21. The greatest oracle was at Delphi, where the god Apollo could be questioned about the future.

22. The oracle was not always reliable, however, as she often gave answers with two meanings.