An Overview of Zeus and His Role In Ancient Greece

By Richard Monk

Zeus is where any discussion of ancient Greek deities should start. In Greek religion, Zeus represented the ultimate god and power.

An Overview of Zeus and His Role In Ancient Greece

The many gods and goddesses found in ancient Greece formed a sort of society, with the twelve (eventually 14) major deities residing on Mount Olympus. From this mythical place, the Greek pantheon looked down on the mortals and other mythical creatures, had interactions with others, and even embarked on love affairs with non-gods. The lead god of those that lived on Mount Olympus was Zeus, the Greek god of sky and thunder, as well as the ruler of Mount Olympus and the highest ranking in the pantheon.

Zeus was the youngest son of the Titans Chronos and Rhea, older gods who were overthrown during the War of the Titans. Chronos had swallowed all of Zeus's siblings, and upon winning his battle with his father, Zeus forced Chronos to disgorge the rest of his children. Some of these siblings became installed gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus, and he even married one of them, his elder sister Hera. His original wife, however, was Dione - but not much is known about this goddess-like figure. His union with Dione, according to the Iliad (by Homer) produced the Olympic goddess Aphrodite.

Zeus also had many other children by various goddesses and consorts. With his wife Hera, he produced Ares, Hephaestus, Hebe and Eileithyia. His other offspring included Hermes (by Maia), Perseus (by Danae), Dionysus (by Semele), Apollo and Artemis (by Leto), the Muses (by Mnemosyne) and Heracles by Alcmene.

Statue of Zeus in Olympia, one of the seven wondes of the world

Zeus's powers were not as varied as other gods and goddesses that were his contemporaries, but they were very strong. He had the ability to force the transformation of others, mortals and even mythical creatures, and he also was able to cast thunderbolts at those who had displeased him in any way. Being the "Sky God" made him also appear as the supreme god, and his counterpart in Roman culture, Jupiter, also held this office. Olympia was the site of the biggest cult to Zeus, many people traveled there to worship all of the gods, but the games every four years were specifically dedicated to Zeus.

While Zeus was undoubtedly revered as the head of all religion in ancient Greece, many other gods and goddesses were seen as just as important to specific areas. Zeus was mostly worshiped to appease his easily angered persona, with many sacrifices held to this great god.

Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com - a site with facts about Greece.