Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ancient Greek Culture
When the Roman Empire assimilated Greece it did so with considerable re-
spect and idealism. The Romans in many ways based themselves on the
Ancient Greeks, absorbing their deities (and renaming them), literature,
myths, philosophy, fine arts and architecture. So what made the Ancient
Greeks so special?
Mythology
Ancient Greece revolved around careful worship of 12 central gods and goddesses, all of
which played a major role in the
mythos
(mythology). Each city-state had its own patron
god or goddess to appease and flatter, while on a personal level a farmer might make sac-
rifice to the goddess Demeter to bless his crops, or a fisherman to Poseidon to bring him
fish and safe passage on the waves.
The Ancient Pantheon
Here is a quick guide to the 12 central gods and goddesses of Greek mythology - their Ro-
man names are in brackets.
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Zeus (Jupiter)
Heavyweight champ of Mt Olympus, lord of the skies and master of dis-
guise in pursuit of mortal maidens. Wardrobe includes shower of gold, bull, eagle and
swan.
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Poseidon (Neptune)
God of the seas, master of the mists and younger brother of Zeus.
He dwelt in a glittering underwater palace.
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Hera (Juno)
Protector of women and family, the queen of heaven is also the embattled
wife of Zeus. She was the prototype of the jealous, domineering wife.
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Hades (Pluto)
God of death, he ruled the underworld, bringing in newly dead with the
help of his skeletal ferryman, Charon. Serious offenders were sent for torture in Tartarus,
while heroes enjoyed eternal R&R in the Elysian Fields.
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Athena (Minerva)
Goddess of wisdom, war, science and Guardian of Athens. The anti-
thesis of Ares, Athena was deliberate and, where possible, diplomatic in the art of war.
Heracles, Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts fame) and Perseus all benefited from her
patronage.
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Aphrodite (Venus)
Goddess of love and beauty. The curvy lady of the shell was said to
have been born whole on the waves. When she wasn't cuckolding her unfortunate hus-
