Cultures worship gods and goddesses for security and strength. The Greek worshipped many of their own as well. The people of Greece believed that their gods and goddesses resided mainly on Mount Olympus. Mount Olympus is located in Northern Greece. Some of their gods and goddesses included: Zeus, Hera, Ares, Athena, Apollo, Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Hermes. These were the Greek's most popular gods and goddesses. Each god and goddess possessed their own special power.

Zeus: Zeus was the king of the gods. He is the ruler of Mount Olympus. He is the lord of the sky and controlled the weather. He uses his weapon, a lightning bolt, to punish those who lie. He protects people who are weak. Zeus is able to predict the future through oracles and omens. 

Ares: Ares is the god of war. He has a bad temper and enjoys participating in conflict. Ares was said to be very attractive and courageous. Spartans worshipped Ares because Sparta has a militaristic society.

Apollo:Apollo is the god of truth, intelligence, poetry, and music. He also represented the source of life, healing and youth. He was said to be the most loved god. However, he was also capable of bringing on plagues.

Poseidon:Poseidon is the god of the sea. He is able to bring about destruction, such as floods and earthquakes. He is the most disruptive of all of the gods. Poseidon and Athena fought to control Athens, but Poseidon lost to Athena. They preferred her gifts to the people of Athens over his which were a spring and a horse.

Hermes:Hermes is the god of good luck, wealth, fertility, and thieves. He was the messenger of the gods. He was known for his pranks. He constantly stole the other gods weapons. He also created fire, dice (where gamblers seek good luck from), and the alphabet.

Hera:Hera married Zeus. However, Zeus was her brother. She protects children, families, and the home. She is the queen of the Greek gods. Hera was known to be a very jealous goddess. She has a temple dedicated to her at Olympia.

Athena:Athena is the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts. She is the daughter of Zeus. When is came to war, Athena was strategic and not aggressive. Athena gave humans the gifts of being able to cook and do household chores properly. The Parthenon was built in honor of Athena.

Aphrodite:She is the goddess of love, beauty and desire. She is said to be the cause of the Trojan War due to offering the Trojan prince (Paris) the most beautiful woman in the world. She is also associated with the dove and is usually shown riding a swan. 





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