Greek Gods and Goddesses

One cannot truly understand Ancient Greece culture without having a basic understanding of the religion and beliefs of the people of the period. So here is a brief background of the primary Greek gods and goddesses associated with many of the sites we will visit. The Romans, who came later, adopted many of the Greek deities, but changed the names. The only name they did not change was Apollo.

In Greek mythology, twelve gods and goddesses ruled the universe from atop Greece's Mount Olympus. These Olympians had come to power after their leader, Zeus, overthrew his father, Kronos, leader of the Titans. All the Olympians are related to one another.

The following well done videos give a good explanation of gods and goddesses. You can also access the Greek Gods video at this link and the Greek Goddesses video at this link. Once you've seen the videos and read the family tree below, then test your knowledge with the ThinkQuest interactive test at the bottom of this post.

The Ancient Greek Gods


Rod Stewart MySpace Video


The Ancient Greek Goddesses


Rod Stewart MySpace Video

Zeus (Roman name: Jupiter)

The most powerful of all, Zeus was god of the sky and the king of Olympus. His temper affected the weather, and he threw thunderbolts when he was unhappy. He was married to Hera but had many other lovers. His symbols include the oak and the thunderbolt.

Hera (Roman name: Juno)

Hera was goddess of marriage and the queen of Olympus. She was Zeus's wife and sister; many myths tell of how she sought revenge when Zeus betrayed her with his lovers. Her symbols include the peacock and the cow.

Poseidon (Roman name: Neptune)

Poseidon was god of the sea. He was the most powerful god except for his brother, Zeus. He lived in a beautiful palace under the sea and caused earthquakes when he was in a temper. His symbols include the horse and the trident (a three-pronged pitchfork).

Hades (Roman name: Pluto)

Hades was king of the dead. He lived in the underworld, the heavily guarded land where he ruled over the dead. He was the brother of Zeus and the husband of Persephone, Demeter's daughter, whom he kidnapped.

Aphrodite (Roman name: Venus)

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, and the protector of sailors. She may have been the daughter of Zeus and the Titan Dione, or she may have risen from the sea on a shell. Her symbols include the myrtle tree and the dove.

Apollo

Apollo was the god of music and healing. He was also an archer, and hunted with a silver bow. Apollo was the son of Zeus and the Titan Leto, and the twin of Artemis. His symbols include the laurel tree, the crow, and the dolphin.

Ares (Roman name: Mars)

Ares was the god of war. He was both cruel and a coward. Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera, but neither of his parents liked him. His symbols include the vulture and the dog, and he often carried a bloody spear.

Artemis (Roman name: Diana)

Artemis was the goddess of the hunt and the protector of women in childbirth. She hunted with silver arrows and loved all wild animals. Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin of Apollo. Her symbols include the cypress tree and the deer.

Athena (Roman name: Minerva)

Athena was the goddess of wisdom. She was also skilled in the art of war, and helped heroes such as Odysseus and Hercules. Athena sprang full-grown from the forehead of Zeus, and became his favorite child. Her symbols include the owl and the olive tree.

Hephaestus (Roman name: Vulcan)

Hephaestus was the god of fire and the forge (a furnace in which metal is heated). Although he made armor and weapons for the gods, he loved peace. He was the son of Zeus and Hera and married Aphrodite. His symbols include the anvil and the forge.

Hestia (Roman name: Vesta)

Hestia was the goddess of the hearth (a fireplace at the center of the home). She was the most gentle of the gods, and does not play a role in many myths. Hestia was the sister of Zeus and the oldest of the Olympians. Fire is among her symbols.

Hermes (Roman name: Mercury)

Hermes was the messenger god, a trickster, and a friend to thieves. He was said to have invented boxing and gymnastics. He was the son of Zeus and the constellation Maia. The speediest of all, he wore winged sandals and a winged hat and carried a magic wand.

…also sometimes included:
Demeter (Roman name: Ceres)

Demeter was the goddess of the harvest. The word “cereal” comes from her Roman name. She was the sister of Zeus. Her daughter, Persephone, was forced to live with Hades each winter; at this time Demeter let no crops grow. Her symbols include wheat.

Dionysus (Roman name: Bacchus)

Dionysus was the god of wine, which he invented. In ancient Greece Dionysus was honored with springtime festivals that centered on theater. Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele, a mortal. His symbols include ivy, the snake, and grapes.

ThinkQuest Interactive Quiz

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Ancient Agora of Athens

As mentioned previously the Tower of the Winds is actually located just between the Plaka District and the Ancient Agora of Athens (a site similar to the Roman Forum in Rome). The Agora is located just north of the Acropolis.

The democratically governed Agora was the political and religious heart of Athens as far back as the 6th century BC. It was also the center of daily and commercial life…similar to what town squares used to be in the United States.

It was here that law courts were located and anyone who happened to be in the Agora during a trial could witness these proceedings. It was however only adult male citizens appointed by lot who could serve as jurors.

The state prison was located here as well as the mint which produced the city’s coins inscribed with an owl, the symbol of Athena, goddess of wisdom and the patron goddess of Athens.

The American School of Archeology has been excavating the Agora since 1930 and the finds are exhibited in the two-story stoa of Attalos which now serves as a museum. This main building in the Agora was built by King Attalos of Pergamon (ruled 159-138 BC) but was destroyed in 267 AD.

It was rebuilt between 1953-56 on the original foundations using ancient building materials. A unique exhibit in the museum is a klepsydra, a water clock that was used for timing plaintiff’s speeches. Other items include bronze ballots and everyday items such as terracotta toys and leather sandals.

Also located in the Agora (and its best preserved ruins) are the Odeion of Agrippa, once a covered theatre, and the Hephaisteion, a temple to Hephaistos also known as the Theseion.

This 51-page full-color guide to the Agora prepared by excavator John McK. Camp II presents information about each building in the Agora complete with color photographs, maps, diagrams, and drawings. If you are planning to spend your free time exploring Athens (we have a day and a half!), then you might want to print this guide to use in your visit to the site.

You will enjoy this short YouTube video, Teacher Travels: Ancient Agora, which shows many of the fascinating relics discovered by the archealogists.

The Plaka District

In the shadow of the Acropolis lies the neighborhood known as the Plaka District, one of our destinations on the walking tour the day we arrive in Athens. It is the historic heart of the city and the oldest continuously inhabited area in the city.

It lies just to the east and at the base of the Acropolis. Most streets have been closed to automobile traffic.

The name probably came from pliaka (meaning old) used by Albanian soldiers in the service of the Turks who settled here in the 16th century.

Here you will find old-fashioned tavernas where you can have a bite to eat or you can browse in the many antique and icon shops. There are also lots of souvenir and jewelry shops here too.

You will also find a few galleries and there are several museums in the Plaka. Of special note are the Children's Museum, the Music Museum, the Greek Folk Art Museum, and the Jewish Museum.

The Lysikrates Monument, built to commemorate the victors at the annual choral and dramatic festival, is located in the Plaka District. It is the only choregic monument still intact in Athens. Its name comes from choregos (or sponsor) of the winning team.

A notable church in the Plaka is the Agios Nikolaos Ragavas which has ancient columns built into the walls.

The most impressive building located here is the Tower of the Winds in the far west of Plaka and part of the ancient Roman Agora. Built by the Syrian astronomer Andronikos Kyrrestes around 100 BC, it has a weather vane and waterclock. On each of its marble sides one of the eight mythological winds is depicted.

Enjoy a tour of the Roman Agora, the Plaka District, and a few other Athens sites on this short YouTube video.