Greek Mythology

The Olympians

• The Olympians- The 12 Main Gods of Ancient Greek Religion• Greek religion was polytheistic

• They lived on Mt. Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece

• The Greeks also believed in demigods• Half god and half human

City-States

• Each city-state worshipped certain gods that they believed protected their city• Cities would build temples and hold festivals

to honor their god

City-State God

Athens & Syracuse Athena

Sparta Ares and Artemis

Olympia Zeus

Corinth Poseidon

Thebes & Delphi Apollo

Argos Hera

Rhodes Helios

Oracle

• Oracle- Someone that could speak the messages of the gods• Pythia, the Oracle at Delphi, was the

most well-known• Pythia only gave prophecies the

seventh day of each month

• Other oracles include Dodona and Trophonius

The Olympic Gods

Zeus (Jupiter in Roman Mythology)

• King of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus

• God of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order and justice

• Symbols: Thunderbolt and eagle

• Married to Hera

Hera (Juno in Roman Mythology)

• Queen of the gods

• Goddess of marriage and family

• Symbols: Peacock, crown, and lion

• Wife of Zeus

Poseidon (Neptune in Roman Mythology)

• God of the seas, earthquakes, and tidal wave

• Symbols: Dolphin and trident

• Married to the Nereid Amphitrite

Demeter (Ceres in Roman Mythology)

• Goddess of fertility, agriculture, nature, and the seasons

• Symbols: Wheat and torch

Athena (Minerva in Roman Mythology)

• Goddess of wisdom, defense, and strategic warfare

• Symbols: Owl and olive tree

• The city of Athens is named for her

Apollo (same in Roman Mythology)

• God of light and dark, knowledge, healing, the arts, music, poetry, archery, the sun, and beauty

• Symbols: the sun, bow and arrow

• Twin brother of Artemis

• The NASA Apollo program was named after him • Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first

humans to walk on the moon on Apollo 11

Artemis (Diana in Roman Mythology)

• Goddess of the hunt, archery, the moon, and all animals

• Symbols: the moon, deer, snake, cypress tree, and bow and arrow

• Twin sister of Apollo.

Ares (Mars in Roman Mythology)

• God of war, violence, and bloodshed

• Symbols: Dog, vulture, spear and shield

• His Latin name, Mars, gave us the word "martial”

Aphrodite (Venus in Roman Mythology)

• Goddess of love, beauty, and desire

• Symbols: Dove, apple, bee, swan, and rose

• Married to Hephaestus

Hephaestus (Vulcan in Roman Mythology)

• God of fire

• Craftsman of the gods

• Symbols: fire, anvil, axe, and hammer

• Married to Aphrodite

• His Latin name, Vulcan, gave us the word "volcano."

Hermes (Mercury in Roman Mythology)

• Messenger of the gods

• God of commerce, thieves, and games

• Symbols: caduceus (staff entwined with two snakes), winged sandals and cap, stork, and tortoise

• The second-youngest Olympian, just older than Dionysus

Hestia (Vesta in Roman Mythology)

• Goddess of the hearth, architecture, and family

• She was born into the first Olympian generation and was one of the original twelve Olympians. Some lists of the Twelve Olympians remove her in favor of Dionysus

• Oldest sister of Hades, Demeter, Poseidon, Hera, and Zeus.

Dionysus (Bacchus in Roman Mythology)

• God of celebrations and theatre

• Symbols include the grapevine, ivy, cup, tiger, and panther

• Married to the Cretan princess Ariadne

• The youngest Olympian god, as well as the only one to have a mortal mother

Other Gods

• Hades (Orcus) - God of the Underworld

• Heracles (Hercules) - Symbolizes strength and courage

• Eros (Cupid) - God of love and beauty. He was the son of Aphrodite and. He was depicted often as carrying bow and arrow

• Nike- Goddess of victory

• Phobos- God of fear• The word “phobia” comes from this god

Trading Cards Assignment

• In social studies, you will create trading cards for at least 3 Ancient Greek gods

• Grades will be based on creativity and accuracy of information• This will be an informal grade

• Each card must include:1) The name of the god or goddess2) A picture or symbol that represents their job3) A minimum of 5 facts about each god or goddess

Trading Cards Assignment

• In order for you to get the index card to begin making the final product (the trading card you will turn in), you must complete a rough draft

•Checkpoint on Tuesday 2/24!• I will be checking to make sure you have started your rough drafts on at

least three cards

•Flash Cards due Thursday 2/26

Trading Cards TemplateFront

1) Your name

2) The name of your god/goddess

3) Picture of god or image that represents your god

Back5 (or more) Facts:

1)2)3)4)5)6)7)

Front Back

Like a basketball card, you have the name of the player, the team the play on and usually their # and position

On the back, you have additional information: stats,

college attended, awards, height, birthday, etc.