1. 9.3 Ancient Greek Beliefs and Art

2. Greek Religion and Mythology
Greek Mythology
Myths the stories told of the gods and heroes
Through these stories the Greeks expressed their beliefs
Taught about human behavior or a moral lesson
Which Greek stories do you that teach us lessons?
The stories still teach us lessons today

3. Greek Religion and Mythology
Many Gods and Goddesses
The Greek gods and goddesses acted like human beings
Why do you think that is?
Greek Religion and Life
Both private and public rituals
Women were involved in some ceremonies
Public meetings began with prayer
Families had shrines
Cities were dedicated to a particular deity

4. Greek Religion and Mythology
Athletic Contests
Some religious ceremonies included athletic competitions
The athletes’ skill and strength was used to honor their gods
The most famous of these - the Olympic games
Honored Zeus
Held every 4 years
Became a festival with merchants from all over the Mediterranean
Winners became famous

5. Greek Religion and Mythology
Sacred Sites
Springs, groves and other natural places were often considered sacred as the dwelling place of a god or goddess
Mt. Olympus was the most sacred since the major gods lived there
The Oracle of Delphi
Priestess of Apollo at his temple
An oracle is said to tell the future
The answers were told in riddles so they could be interpreted in several ways

6. The Arts of Ancient Greece
Painting
Most painting has not survived
Descriptions of ancient Greek painted claimed it was realistic
With depth and perspective

7. The Arts of Ancient Greece
Sculpture
Early Greek sculpture was influenced by the Egyptians
Over time Greeks developed their own style
realistic
Ideal images
Huge statues of their gods were put in their temples

8. The Arts of Ancient Greece
Architecture
Greek architect tried to reach perfection
Gave a sense of balance and harmony
Parthenon is the finest Greek example
Greek architecture was not just white marble, but very colorful in its day

9. Literature Literature was also a part of religious ceremonies
Lyric Poetry
Shorter poems were written after Homer
Called lyric poems because they were accompanied by a lyre
Wrote on may different subjects
Athletes
Politics
War
emotions

10. Literature Greek Drama Roots of modern theater
Originally performed to honor the god Dionysus
A chorus often commented on the characters’ actions
Gave awards at festivals for
best play
Best actor
Best chorus
2 types of drama
Tragedy – ended badly
Comedy – ended happily

11. Literature Aesop’s Fables
A fable is a story that teaches a moral lesson
According to legend
Aesop was a slave – freed due to his learning
Traveled, collecting and telling his tales
Including
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Tortoise and the Hare