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Ancient Greek Religion - Coggle Diagram
Ancient Greek Religion
The Olympian Gods
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Athena - forehead daughter of Zeus, goddess of wisdom
Apollo - son of Zeus, god of music, poetry and archery
Poseidon - brother of Zeus, god of the ocean and horses
Hermes - Son of Zeus, god of guidance and messenger of the Gods
Hera - sister and wife of Zeus, Queen of all the Gods
Aphrodite - Zeus' daughter, goddess of love and beauty
Demeter - Zeus' sister, goddess of agriculture
Ares - son of Zeus and Hera, God of War
Artemis - Zeus' daughter, goddess of hunting and the moon
Hades - brother of Zeus, god of the underworld, also the most powerful of the chthonic God, those associated with the earth or the underworld
Hephaistos - Son of Zeus and Hera, god of fire and forge
Dionysos - Son of Zeus, god of wine and drama
Qualities
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they had human flaws and imperfections, something that later sophists like Socrates opposed
Patrons
Gods became patrons of cities, like Athena for Athens.
Gods were called upon in certain situations, like Ares during war or Hera for weddings
Worship and Temples
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A temple was known as naos which meant 'dwelling place' as it was believed that the Gods visited these sites during rituals
Over time, temples developed into huge sites meant to honour and give thanks to certain Gods, complete with statues or friezes depicting important events
Often many temples were built together on an acropolis - with Athens being the best example - and were separated from the rest of the community by a gate
Usually though, religious practices were carried out at an altar outside of the temple, instead of the temple itself
The most common practices were the pouring of libations and the sacrifice of animals like goats, sheep and pigs. The meat was burnt, with part of it going to the God, and the rest cooked and eaten by attendants
Sometimes, the entrails of sacrificed animals were examined and it was believed the could reveal future events
Priests
Anyone could become a priest, even women. Priests orchestrated religious ceremonies and delivered prayers.
They were not necessarily religious experts, an exegetes, a state official could be consulted by citizens on theological affairs
Mysteries
Along with the formal religious rites, there were also secret ones which were only known by those taking part in them - the most noteworthy being the Mysteries of Eleusis.
They formed cult-like groups that performed activities they believed would benefit them - especially in the after-life
Festivals
There were competitions in music, sport and drama to honour certain Gods
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During these events, war was prohibited and everyone was guaranteed safe passage through Greece
Personal Religion
Despite the massive temples and rituals, it is important to note that religion was practiced everywhere and at any time
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People took small things like birds or even sneezes as omens, or signs of the future
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