1. “The Greeks” Mythology Notes

2. I. What is mythology? A subgenre of fictional literature A story written by ancient people of Greece and Rome

3. Why were myths written? To explain the world, seasons, weather, origins, good, evil, death, animals, and people

4. II. Characteristics of myths * Contain gods, goddesses, & living things

5. Myths… * Focus on abstract human qualities (love, justice, wisdom)

6. Myths… * Focus on forces of nature (wind, fire, water, earthquakes)

7. Myths… * Explain world origins (according to some Greeks/Romans)

8. THE OLYMPIANS 12 most powerful, supreme gods and goddesses Resided at Mount Olympus Ruled by Zeus, king of the gods

9. III. Ancient Greece Greeks raised livestock Greeks farmed for a living Sea trade brought income to the Greeks

10. Names of gods & goddesses were represented by forces of nature Ancient Greece was located in the Mediterranean Sea Greece consisted of over 2,000 islands and a mainland peninsula

11. Natural disasters were prominent Lacked technology Athens was rich from sea trade

12. Beauty arose from craftsmen and architecture Artists, authors, and writers flooded Greece

13. IV. The Golden Age Most famous period of ancient Greece history 46 year period (477-431 B.C.) 1 st Age- perfection; ended with great fire 2 nd Age- Less perfect; ended with great flood 3 rd Age- included Zeus (King of Gods) & Prometheus