1. Ancient Greece
The Gods and Goddesses

2. The Gods and Goddesses
The people of Ancient Greece believed in many powerful Gods. The most powerful of these were thought to live high up on Mount Olympus. This was ruled by Zeus, the King of Gods, and was the place where arguments were resolved and meetings held.
There were some Gods who, though powerful, did not live on Olympus. Hades, brother of Zeus and Lord of the Underworld, is the best example.

3. The Gods and Goddesses Zeus Hades Athena Apollo Poseidon
Let’s take a look at some of the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece, learns something about them and hear some of the stories that were told about them at the time.
Zeus
Hades
Athena
Apollo
Poseidon

4. Zeus
Zeus was the god of the sky and ruled the gods of Mount Olympus. As King of the Gods, he was the one who made and enforced their laws. He was famous for punishing the wicked and protecting the weak. Zeus had more power than any other God - he is well known for his ability to conjure up thunderbolts.
Zeus had hundreds of children, some of the most famous being Apollo, Hermes and Heracles. He also has two important symbols – the eagle and the oak tree.
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5. Hades
Hades was the God of the Underworld, where he ruled the dead. Hades was a very important god, even though he didn't actually live on Mount Olympus with those who were as powerful as him. Although Hades was grim and pitiless, he was not an evil god; he would always judge the dead fairly as they entered the Underworld.
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6. Athena
Athena was the Goddesses of war and wisdom and was the favourite daughter of Zeus. Zeus was proud of his daughter, who turned out to be a great warrior.
Originally Athena was the goddess of Greek cities, industry and arts. She was a patron of agriculture and crafts, including weaving and spinning. She gave many gifts to men including the inventions of the plough, the flute and the art of taming animals, building ships and making shoes. She was associated very often with birds in particular, the owl.
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7. Apollo
Apollo was another of Zeus’ children and he was the God of the sun, healing and music. Apollo was considered to be the most arrogant God of all, feared by even those he favoured. He is famous for his love of music, and his favourite instrument was the lyre, given to him by the god Hermes.
Apollo was a powerful god from a very young age - just after his birth he killed his mother's enemy, Python, a serpent God. He was also famous for being the first winner of the Olympic games.
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8. Poseidon
Poseidon was the brother of Zeus, and God of the Seas and Oceans. He was known to be a surly God, holding grudges and tormenting mortals. He also had disputes with many of the other Gods, mainly over land. At various times he tried to challenge Zeus, Athena and Apollo for their land – and he lost out every time.
Poseidon and the Gorgon Medusa were the mother and father of Pegasus, the famous winged horse from Ancient Greek mythology.
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