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Both the Roman and Greek gods tell us a lot about how these ancient civilizations viewed the world. Yet, it a shallow dive into their gods show striking similarities.

The Greeks, for instance, had Zeus and the Roman counterpart was Jupiter. Both were considered King of the Gods and held the power of lightning. Hera was the Greek's goddess of marriage, while the Romans had Juno. The goddess of hunting to the Romans was Diana while the Greeks had Artemis. Party god of wine? The Greeks had Dionysus, and the Romans, Bacchus.

How the Greek gods became part of Roman culture

When the Romans invaded Greece starting in 146 BC, their gods were not as developed and sophisticated as the Greeks. The Romans knew that bridging the differences would add to their influence over the conquered nation.

Captured Greek scholars were used to tutor Roman children because they knew that the Greeks had an excellent educational system comparatively. And because Greek literature was also superior, the Romans adopted much for the Greek literature, much of which was about their gods. The intermixing of the literature resulted in a cross-pollination of all the Greek gods and deities with their own.

The Romans and Greeks also borrowed gods from other ancient cultures

Though some Roman gods like Quirinus, Dis Pater, Liber, and Janus were still preserved in the belief system, most of their gods were borrowed from other cultures. They incorporated not only the Greek gods and deities into their culture but also those of the neighboring kingdoms.

Among those that they borrowed: Magma Mater (the equivalent of the Egyptian god Isis) and Apollo (the Greek god of music who also happened to share similar qualities with his Middle Eastern counterparts including the Hittite god Apaliunas and the Etruscan's Aplu).

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Both the Roman and Greek Gods are fascinating to read in the sense that they provide a good point of how these ancient civilizations viewed the world. But in a surprising way, they share almost the same gods and deities possessing comparable powers and dominant influence on their believers.

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The ancient Romans had a rich mythology and, while much of it was derived from their neighbors and predecessors, the Greeks, it still defined the rich history of the Roman people as they eventually grew into an empire. Roman writers such as Ovid and Virgil documented and extended the mythological heritage of the ancient Mediterranean to gives us such long-lasting and iconic figures as Aeneas, Vesta, Janus, and the twin founders of Rome itself, Romulus and Remus.

The purpose of Myths

Before one can delve into a study of mythology, one must understand the concept behind a myth. In his book The Greek and Roman Myths: A Guide to the Classical Stories, Philip Matyszak describes a myth simply as "the ancient's view of the world." These myths - although often appearing as simple stories filled with valiant heroes, maidens in distress, and a host of all-powerful gods - are much more. The gods of the Greeks and Romans were anthropomorphic, exhibiting many human qualities such as love, hate, and jealousy, and because of this, the people of Rome and Greece were able to see themselves in these tales and understand their relationship to the rest of the world as well their connection to the gods. The lesson often to be learned was that one must meet one's destiny with strength, determination, and nobility. These myths enabled an individual to stand against the ills and hardships of an unforgiving universe. Matyszak states that, in spite of their constant disagreements and battles, the gods and humankind had to stand together against the "monsters and giants" of the world, or more simply, the "forces of disorder and wanton destruction."

The influence of Greek myths was seen everywhere in Rome; in the architecture, subject matter, & adornments of sculptures, temples, & mosaics.

Myths, whether Greek, Roman, any other culture's, at the end of the day were concerned with the relationship between the gods and humans, differing in this regard from fairytales and folktales. For all people, in many ways, myths made life bearable by providing security. They should not be easily dismissed as simple stories for, in both Greece and Rome, they dealt with important issues: the creation of the world, the nature of good and evil, and even the afterlife. And, for this reason, these tales have stood the test of time and become part of our present day culture. One only needs look at the names of our planets to see this: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and even poor little Pluto are all named for Roman gods.

Greek origins

In Greece, myths were derived from a rich old oral tradition: Homer's and and Hesiod's . These were tales that had been passed down through the generations, first through the spoken word, and finally written down c. 8th century BCE. When Rome was founded in the 8th century BCE, many of the Greek city-states were already well-established. Greece even had founded colonies on the Italian peninsula and Sicily. Centuries later, after the four Macedonian Wars, these colonies would become a part of the early Roman Republic. This contact with Greece, and more specifically with Greek religion and mythology, had a lasting effect on Rome and its people. Rome was able to adopt much that defined Greece: art, philosophy, literature, and drama. Mythology, however, had to be adapted to reflect a Roman set of values.

The influence of Greek myths was seen everywhere in Rome; in the architecture, subject matter, and adornments of sculptures, temples, and mosaics. This adoption of all that was Greek can be seen in the city's relationship to the Trojan War, a war that ultimately led to the most basic of Roman mythology: the birth of Romulus and Remus and the founding of a city. Whereas much of Greek mythology was transmitted through their poetry and drama, the Roman myths were written in prose, providing a sense of history and a foundation of all that was Roman: their rituals and institutions. In Roman mythology the difference between history and myth was almost indistinguishable: Rome was a city of destiny and the myths told that story.

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Ovid

Many early Roman authors wrote on the myths of Rome. Ovid, before his exile by Emperor Augustus, wrote at a critical time in Roman history, politically and culturally. The emperor was hoping to reestablish a connection to the Republic's old religion and a reverence for the gods. Ovid penned several works centering on both Roman myth and religion - Metamorphoses and Fasti are two of his best-known works. His stories, while mostly Greek, contained Roman names. In Fasti he portrayed the festivals of the first six months of the old Roman calendar, the legends of the gods, and the origin of many of their rituals. While early Roman mythology maintained a deep connection with the city and its rich history, it centered on one specific legend: the birth of its supposed founders: Romulus and Remus.

While the true origin of Rome varies from source to source, historical as well as fictional, one of the earliest to relate the story (reminiscent of Homer's Odyssey) was Virgil (Vergil) in his , a tale that related the travels of its hero, the Trojan warrior Aeneas. The Aeneid has been said to exhibit the most complete expression of Roman mythology. In the story, our hero, with the assistance of his mother, the goddess Venus (his father was a mortal named Anchises), escaped Troy with his father and a number of his fellow soldiers before the city completely succumbed to the Greeks. This story and its connection to the Trojan War gave the Romans a link to the ancient Trojan culture. It should be noted that the story of the Trojan horse comes from Virgil, though mentioned in Homer's Odyssey. With Venus's assistance, the defeated Trojans leave the fallen city and set sail for Italy, where it has been foretold that Aeneas would found a city. They traveled first to Greece and then, as in Homer's tale, are blown off course. Jupiter's wife Juno constantly interferes with Aeneas throughout the story. They land at the African city of Carthage where our hero meets the beautiful Queen Dido, and of course, love follows, and he soon forgets his true purpose.

Ultimately, the god Mercury intervenes and reminds Aeneas of his destiny, causing him and his men to reluctantly leave Africa and sail away; tragically, Queen Dido commits suicide over the loss of her beloved by throwing herself on a burning pyre. Upon landing at Cumae, Aeneas consults Sibyl, an oracle, who leads him into Hades where he not only encounters his fallen enemies and Queen Dido but also meets his recently deceased father who tells him of the great city his descendants would establish. Later, after reaching the mouth of the Tiber, the wayward Trojans enter into a war with King Turnus of the Rutuli (more of Juno's handiwork). Venus appeals to Vulcan (the Roman version of the Greek Hephaestus) to make Aeneas new armor and weapons as he had done for Achilles. Turnus was finally defeated and killed in a duel. A peace is ultimately reached with Aeneas marrying the king's daughter; supposedly Jupiter had convinced Juno to end her war with Aeneas.

Romulus & Remus

Aeneas's descendants became the founders of the city of his destiny: Rome. According to the legend, Romulus and Remus were the sons of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, daughter of the true king of Alba Longa, Numitor. In a coup, Amulius overthrew his brother and, to safeguard his claim to the throne, forced Rhea to join the Vestal Virgins. One day, Mars spied the young Rhea in the sacred woods and raped her. She bore two sons who, by order of King Amulius, were thrown in the Tiber. A recent flood caused them to drift ashore at Ficus Ruminalis. They were rescued by a she-wolf, the sacred animal of Mars (the wolf was supposedly aided by a woodpecker, another sacred animal of Mars). Later, the boys were adopted by a local herdsman named Faustulus and his wife Acca Larentia.

Years pass and the two future founders of the city become leaders in their community, with Remus ultimately landing in the king's dungeon. Romulus rescued his brother, and with the assistance of Numitor, deposed Amulius. Of course, by this time the boys had learned of their true identity. Together they founded a city; however, in a dispute over the naming rights to the city, Remus is killed in a fit of jealousy, and the city becomes Rome. In one version of the dispute, the boys agreed to watch for omens in a flight of birds. Romulus won the naming rights and Remus was killed (Romulus was supposedly favored by the gods). Romulus would rule Rome for forty years.

Roman Gods & Goddesses

Roman mythology, like that of the Greeks, contained a number of gods and goddesses, and because of the early influence of Greece on the Italian peninsula and the ever-present contact with Greek culture, the Romans adopted not only their stories but also many of their gods, renaming a number of them. One exception to this practice is the god Apollo, the only god whose name is common to both cultures. Originally, before their association with the Greeks, many of the Roman gods were more closely associated with cults rather than myths (as was the case with the Greek hero Heracles who became the Roman champion Hercules). Much of this change came, however, when the Romans turned from farming to war.

Jupiter influenced every aspect of a Roman's life; his temple on Capitoline Hill was the final destination of many victorious military commanders.

Early in the development of Roman mythology, there was Saturn, equivalent to the Greek god Cronus. His temple at the foot of Capitoline Hill included the public treasury and decrees of the Roman Senate. The triad of early Roman cult deities were recreated as Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva; the latter was the patron saint of craftsmen and goddess of school children (later associated with Athena). Jupiter, the sky-god, became more akin to the Greek Zeus. Jupiter influenced every aspect of a Roman's life; his temple on Capitoline Hill was the final destination of many victorious military commanders who would leave a portion of their booty as an offering to Jupiter. His wife (and sister) Juno became reminiscent of Hera, presiding over every facet of Roman women's life, and in the case of Aeneas, vindictive against those she disliked.

Similarly, the love-goddess Aphrodite became Venus, born from the foams of the sea, while the brothers of Zeus, Hades and Poseidon, became Pluto and Neptune respectively. The Greek Artemis was renamed Diana, the goddess of the hunt, while Ares, the war god, was now Mars who originally had been an agricultural god associated with spring, a time of regeneration (March is named for him). Roman commanders would always make a sacrifice to him before a battle. And lastly, one must not forget Hermes, the messenger, who turned into Mercury, a minor deity who had at one time been the god of trading and profit and, as mentioned, Hercules, the Roman version of Heracles.

As in Greece, Roman cities often adopted their own patron deity and built temples and performed rituals to honor that god. And, while the influence of the Greeks is vast, the Romans had a number of original gods of their own such as Janus, the two-faced god of doorways and gates (the city gates were open during the time of war and closed during the time of peace). Similar to the Etruscan god Culsans, Janus could see both the future and the past. Valued for his wisdom, he presided over the beginnings of all events. There was also Vesta, daughter of Saturn and the goddess of the hearth and family life, whose followers were called the Vestal Virgins. Though linked to the goddess Hestia of the Greeks, she took on her own distinct personality in Roman mythology. Numa, the second king of Rome, founded a cult dedicated to Vesta. Lastly, there was Faunus, the god of nature; he was worshipped as the protector of crops with a festival in December.

There were also a number of water gods, vitally important to the farmers, as every river and spring had its own deity (Juturna was the goddess of springs and water). Farmers had to appease these gods through a series of offerings. Tiberius was the god of the Tiber, and every May 27th straw dummies were thrown into the Tiber to pacify him. This is reminiscent of the ancient Roman belief in spirits -- supernatural forces that inhabited everything around them including people. Every May (9, 11, and 13) the festival of Lemuria was celebrated where the spirits of the dead were exorcized. Many Romans believed they were constantly watched over by the spirits of their ancestors.

While many people only think of the Greeks when the topic of mythology is considered, the Romans had a rich and vibrant mythology of their own. We all have heard, in some form, the story of the she-wolf and her saving the brothers Romulus and Remus and, in this same way, many other Roman myths have become a part of our culture in the present day. To the Greeks and the Romans, myths explained who they were as a people and gave them a sense of national pride, an understanding of valor and honor, and insight into their destiny.

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The ancient Romans had a rich mythology and, while much of it was derived from their neighbors and predecessors, the Greeks, it still defined the rich history of the Roman people as they eventually grew into an empire.

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Greek Mythology Family Tree (Primordials, Titans & Olympians)

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Myths are stories created to teach people about something important and meaningful. They were often used to teach people about events that they could not always understand, such as illness and death, or earthquakes and floods. Legends are like myths, but they are slightly different. While myths are completely made up, legends are based on events that really happened.

The Greeks believed in gods and goddesses who, they thought, had control over every part of people's lives. The Ancient Greeks believed that they had to pray to the gods for help and protection, because if the gods were unhappy with someone, then they would punish them. They made special places in their homes and temples where they could pray to statues of the gods and leave presents for them.

The Greeks had a different god for almost everything. They imagined that the gods lived together, as a family, up on the top of Mount Olympus. They did not see them as perfect, but just like people. In the Greek myths the gods argue, fall in love, get jealous of each other and make mistakes.

Some of the most important Greek gods were:

Zeus, the leader of the gods, in charge of rain and the sky

Hera, Zeus's wife, was the goddess of marriage and childbirth

Poseidon, the god of the sea

Aphrodite, the goddess of love

Hades, the god of the Underworld, where the dead lived

Ares, god of war and battle

There are many famous Greek myths and legends. Some of them are reused in stories and films today!

In one, a woman called Pandora opens up a box full of all the bad things in the world, and lets them out.

Theseus and the Minotaur tells the story of a prince who chases a monster through a labyrinth to save the woman he loves.

In another tale, two inventors called Icarus and Daedalus try to build wings so they can fly away from prison.

Perhaps the most exciting is Perseus and the Gorgon in which a man called Perseus has to kill a woman who can turn people to stone just by looking at them!

Discussion Ideas

If you were to become a Greek God, what would you want to be the 'god' of and why?

Why do you think the Ancient Greeks needed myths?

Do you already know the stories of any Greek myths? Can you describe them?

Activity Ideas

Imagine you have become a Greek god or goddess. Sometimes in statues and pictures, gods are shown holding objects or wearing things to represent their powers. Draw a picture of yourself as a god/goddess, taking care to show your power through the clothes you are wearing and the objects around you.

Create your own myth: Myths often include: an interesting setting, a mythical beast, a journey or a trial, a captivating ending. Why don't you have a go at writing your own with these four key 'ingredients'?

Download the story of Perseus and the Gorgon, then play the 'Follow Me' game to test your knowledge.

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Ancient Greeks: Everyday Life, Beliefs and Myths

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Myths are stories created to teach people about something important and meaningful. They were often used to teach people about events that they could not always understand, such as illness and death, or earthquakes and floods. Legends are like myths, but they are slightly different.

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Although Greek Gods are arguably better known, Greek and Roman mythology often have the same Gods with different names because many Roman Gods are borrowed from Greek mythology, often with different traits. For example, Cupid is the Roman god of love and E

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Greek Mythology: Gods, Goddesses & Legends - HISTORY

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Greek mythology, and its ancient stories of gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters, is one of the oldest and most influential groups of legends in human civilization.

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How Old Are Greek Myths?

Zeus and the other Greek gods on Mount Olympus, from Aphrodite to Poseidon, are familiar characters to many readers. The Greek stories of gods, heroes and monsters are told and retold around the world even today. The earliest known versions of these myths date back more than 2,700 years, appearing in written form in the works of the Greek poets Homer and Hesiod. But some of these myths are much older. Indeed, the Greeks borrowed some of their best material from other, more ancient stories.

Pegasus

Long ago, the young Greek hero Perseus set out on a seemingly impossible quest: to slay the hideous Medusa. With a head covered in snakes instead of hair, Medusa was so ugly that anyone who looked at her turned to stone. For many days, Perseus traveled in search of Medusa. Finally, he found her and her two sisters resting among the statues of other heroes, all turned to stone by Medusa's gaze. But Perseus had consulted the gods and knew how to defeat the monster. Looking only at Medusa's reflection in a polished shield, Perseus chopped off her horrible head with a sickle. The winged horse Pegasus sprang from Medusa's neck. Medusa's two sisters were furious and chased after Perseus. But Pegasus allowed the hero to climb on his back, and the two flew away to safety.
-Adapted from ancient Greek myths
Loyal Companion

The white, winged horse Pegasus is only a minor character in Greek myths, serving as the loyal steed and companion to the heroes Perseus and Bellerophon as they battle with monsters. Although Pegasus doesn't show up in many myths, he was a favorite subject of Greek artists. Even today, Pegasus is among the most popular images from Greek myth, appearing on everything from corporate logos to figures on carousels. Indeed, Pegasus is so well known that today all winged horses are called "pegasi."

At a Glance: Pegasus

Pegasus was the son of the monster Medusa and Poseidon, the god of the seas and of horses.

Pegasus was kind, helpful, and never greedy. The constellation named after him even shares a star with the constellation of Andromeda, a maiden he helped save.

White horse with wings.

Pegasus allowed only two mortals to ride him: the heroes Perseus and Bellerophon.

A Hero's Horse

A long time ago, the Greek hero Bellerophon set out to kill the fire-breathing Chimera, a beast with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. The goddess Athena helped Bellerophon tame Pegasus, and with the winged horse's aid, Bellerophon killed the monster.

After this glorious victory, Bellerophon thought himself the equal of the gods and urged Pegasus to fly him to Mount Olympus. But Bellerophon's arrogance enraged the gods. Zeus sent a fly to bite Pegasus, causing him to rear back and sending Bellerophon hurtling to the ground. Pegasus remained at Olympus for the rest of his life, carrying Zeus's lightning bolts on his back. And when Pegasus died, Zeus transformed him into a constellation, which can be seen to this day.
--Adapted from Homer's Iliad, c. 800-600 BC, and other ancient Greek myths
Coins

Stories of Pegasus were particularly popular in the ancient city of Corinth, Greece. The winged horse was used as the city's emblem and appeared on coins of the city for hundreds of years.

Carved Pegasus

A carved Pegasus figure, made by artist Joe Leonard for a private collector, is styled after the animals found on carousels. The statue's wings, however, would make it impossible for anyone to sit on the creature's back.

Greek Sphinx

Many years ago, the Sphinx sat in front of the gates to the ancient Greek city of Thebes. The Sphinx was a terrible monster with a lion's body and a woman's head -- and a fondness for riddles. She asked a question of everyone who passed, eating anyone who couldn't answer. "What has one voice and walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?" No one had ever answered correctly, and the Sphinx was well fed. But one day a clever man named Oedipus came along and gave the answer "man." A person crawls on all fours as a baby, walks on two legs as an adult and uses a cane -- a third leg -- in old age. Distraught over being outwitted, the Sphinx threw herself off her high perch and died on the road below.
--Adapted from Oedipus Rex by the Greek playwright Sophocles (495 - 406 BC)
Where Do Greek Myths Come From?

Today, Greek myths are widely told outside of Greece--and the stories have left their mark on various cultures around the world. But many of the stories we think of as Greek myths actually have roots in other ancient cultures. For instance, at least 4,500 years ago -- more than 2,000 years before Sophocles wrote of the Sphinx -- Egyptian artists carved half-human, half-lion statues out of stone. And some 3,500 years ago, artists in Mesopotamia depicted similar creatures and may have transmitted the image to Greece.

At a Glance: Greek Sphinx

The Greek Sphinx was aggressive and hostile, often attacking and snacking on people who passed by.

Head and torso of a woman.

Body of a lion.

Wings of an eagle.

Egyptian Sphinx

The Great Sphinx of Giza has stood guard in front of the pyramids since around 2500 BC. Unlike the half-lion, half-woman Sphinx of Greek myth, the Great Sphinx combines the body of a lion with the head of a man-King Khafre, the ruler of Egypt at that time. Other Egyptian sphinxes, however, have the heads of rams or falcons. And while the Sphinx of Greek myth is cruel and aggressive, Egyptian sphinxes are considered benign symbols of powerful rulers.

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How Old Are Greek Myths? Zeus and the other Greek gods on Mount Olympus, from Aphrodite to Poseidon, are familiar characters to many readers. The Greek stories of gods, heroes and monsters are told and retold around the world even today.

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It is more than 2000 years since the time of the Ancient Greeks, but Greek Mythology continues to have an influence on how we live today in western society.

References to Greek Mythology can still be found in our discussions about science, arts and literature, language, names and brands.

Thinkers from Ancient Greece also laid the foundations for many areas of study including astrology, mathematics, biology, engineering, medicine or linguistics*.

Everywhere you turn, there is likely to be a reference to Greek Mythology. In the brand of the sports shoes you are wearing, the name given to your breakfast meal, the way a building has been constructed, the music you are listening to or the poem you are studying at school.

Here are some common links in key areas:
NAMES

Amazon: The online retail store is named after the group of strong women warriors who were trained in combat and archery and known as the Amazons.

Pandora: The jewellery brand took its name from the first mortal woman in Greek mythology, her name meant all-gifted.

Hermès: He was the messenger of the Greek Gods, but today you will see this name for the company that specialises in luxury goods, lifestyle accessories and perfumes.

Dove: The dove was a symbol of Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty. Unilever owns a personal care brand by the same name.

Apollo: The US Apollo Space Program to take astronauts to the moon was named after Apollo, based the God's ability as an archer to hit his target.

Nike: The US sports apparel company is named after the Greek Goddess of victory.

Cerberus: The Australian Royal Navy has a training facility in Victoria named HMAS Cerberus, after the multi-headed dog that guarded the gates of the Underworld.

Cereal: the generic name for our breakfast meal is named after Ceres, the God of grain.

Even the names of baby boys and girls are still drawn from Greek Mythology.
Some well-known mythical names used today include:

Jason: from the Greek hero Jason who led the Argonauts.

Troy: from the Greek city of Troy.

Damon: was a loyal friend of Pythias in Greek Mythology.

Girls

Helen: from Helen of Troy, who was the daughter of Zeus.

Rhea: the name of Zeus's mother.

Penelope: in The Odyssey, Penelope is the wife of Odysseus.

Phoebe: was a Titan associated with the moon.

BRANDS
Several major car companies have borrowed names from Greek Mythology for their vehicles. These include:

Buick Apollo

Volkswagen Eos

Honda Odyssey

Nissan Titan

Toyota Camry used to be called the Taurus.

LOGOS

Medicine: the medical profession is symbolised by the snake-entwined staff* of the God of Medicine, Asclepius.

Versace: the fashion house has Medusa as its logo after founder Gianna Versace likened his clothing to the mythical creature in that it had "fatal attraction".

THE MODERN OLYMPICS
The Olympic Games started in Ancient Greece in the city of Olympia. The participants were the city-states of Ancient Greece and its colonies.

The Olympic Games were held every four years in honour of Zeus, the King of the Gods.

The prizes for winning were fame and glory. Statues of the winners were built and sometimes the winners' faces were even put on coins.

The Olympics of Ancient Greece lasted from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century BCE before dying out.

Inspired by the ancient Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the event by founding the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 23, 1894, and the modern Olympic Games were born.

Today we still celebrate some of the old traditions, such as the olive leaf crowns on winners' heads, the lighting of the Olympic flame, and the Opening and Closing celebrations.

The first Games put on by the IOC were held in Athens during the summer of 1896. The 1896 Summer Olympics brought together 14 nations and 241 athletes who competed in 43 events.
SPORTING TEAMS
Across the world there are plenty of clubs and teams named after characters from Greek Mythology.

In Australia we have the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. In the US, college and school football and basketball teams are regularly named after the Titans, Trojans and Spartans.

In America's National Football League, the Orlando Apollos drew inspiration for their name from the God Apollo.

And, as you would expect, many Greek football clubs have names with links to their own mythology.

BUILDINGS
The columns or pillars you see on grand buildings today are most likely inspired by Greek architecture.

The most famous example of Greek architecture is the Parthenon, a magnificent building with pillars located in Athens. It was a temple dedicated to Athena, Queen of the Gods, from the people of Athens.

Each Greek structure was inspired by the story and unique abilities of a specific God.

Today, pillars are used in many public buildings such as churches and libraries. One famous modern-day building is the White House in America where President Donald Trump lives.

Each aspect and characteristic of Greek architecture was designed to complement and relate to one another.

There are three systems of architecture, known as orders - the Doric, the Ionic and the Corinthian.

Some Australian buildings inspired by Greek architecture include:

State Library of Victoria in Melbourne

Darlinghurst Courthouse, Sydney

St George's Church, Battery Point, Hobart

POP CULTURE AND THE ARTS
Greek mythology has been used in nearly every form of popular culture. Many Greek myths have been adapted into modern novels, movies, TV shows and video games.

The word "theatre" is derived from the Greek word "theatron", meaning the seating section of outdoor arenas where people watched plays. The first western theatre originated in Athens, and was, like many other Ancient Greek theatres, a semicircular structure cut into a hillside that was capable of seating 10,000 to 20,000 people.

Some well-known instances of Greek mythology in pop culture are:

Disney's Hercules cartoon movie

The best-selling novel Percy Jackson and the Olympians

The TV show Battlestar Galactica

Mary Shelley's Gothic novel Frankenstein

VIDEO: Official trailer for the recent movie Hercules, starring Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson.
The earliest visual representations of mythological characters and symbols occurred in late Mycenaean* and sub-Mycenaean art with Centaurs, a Siren, and even Zeus's lover Europa being recognised.

Mythological and epic themes are also found in Geometric art of the 8th century BCE, but not until the 7th century did such themes become popular in both ceramic vases and pots and sculptured works.

In later periods, they became commonplace.

Artwork showing the birth of Athena appears on the east pediment* of the Parthenon in Athens, and the legend of Pelops and the labours of Heracles are on the corresponding pediment.

The battles of gods with giants and of Lapiths (a wild race in northern Greece) with Centaurs were also favourite motifs.

Greek myths influenced poets such as Dante and Petrarch in Italy and Geoffrey Chaucer in England and, later, the English Elizabethans and John Milton.

Jean Racine in France and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Germany revived Greek drama, and nearly all the major English poets from William Shakespeare to Robert Bridges turned to Greek Mythology for inspiration.

The German composers Christoph Gluck (18th century) and Richard Strauss (20th century), the German-French composer Jacques Offenbach (19th century), the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky (20th century), and many others have set Greek mythological themes to music.

The Greek myths have also been the inspiration for a number of operas.

ASTRONOMY
The names of the Zodiac, which is your star sign from your birth date, all have their beginnings from Greek Mythology.

Aquarius, the Water Bearer: comes from a Greek myth about a flood after Zeus poured all the waters from the heavens out onto the Earth to wash away and destroy the wicked and evil men.

Aries, the Ram: Zeus placed a golden ram's image among the stars in honour of its heroism.

Cancer, the Crab: was a creature sent by the Goddess Hera to destroy Heracles.

Capricorn, the Goat: in Greek Mythology, Capricorn is the God Pan, who was half man but goat from the waist down and had goat's horns for ears.

Gemini, the Twins: the twins were Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux). Together, they were known as the Dioscuri.

Leo, the Lion: linked to the Labours of Heracles and his first task, which was to kill the Nemean Lion.

Libra, the Scales: represent balance and justice, harmony and equilibrium. In Greek Mythology, the Goddess of Justice is Themis and she is pictured holding the scales.

Pisces, the Fish: named after Aphrodite and Eros who were turned into fish by Zeus to help them escape danger.

Sagittarius, the Centaur: named after the Centaur Chiron, who taught men medicine and was kind to Jason of the Argonauts.

Scorpio, the Scorpion: was the creature created to sting and kill the hunter Orion.

Taurus, the Bull: named after the white bull Zeus turned himself into to help win the affections of Europa.

Virgo, the Maiden: named after the Goddess of Innocence and Purity, Astraea.

GLOSSARY

linguistics: study of language and its structure

staff: a long stick

Mycenaean: relating to a late Bronze Age civilisation in Ancient Greece

pediment: the triangular upper part of the front of a classical building

EXTRA READING
Part Six: Villains and tales with a twist

Part Seven: Monsters, animals and beautiful Sirens
QUICK QUIZ

1. Name three brands that draw their names from Greek Mythology.

2. Fashion house Versace uses which Greek character in its logo?

3. Who revived the Olympic Games?

4. Which famous building in America has Greek architecture?

5. The star sign Leo honours which mythical creature?

LISTEN TO THIS STORY

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
Refer to the accompanying Greek Myths and Legends classroom workbook with 25 activities. Can be purchased for $5 including GST at https://kidsnews.myshopify.com/products/greek-myths-and-legends.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Are you surprised so much of Ancient Greek mythology still exists today? How does it show up in your life?
No one-word answers. Use full sentences to explain your thinking. No comments will show until approved by editors.

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Greek myths: A continuing influence on modern life

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It is more than 2000 years since the time of the Ancient Greeks, but Greek Mythology continues to have an influence on how we live today in western society. References to Greek Mythology can still be found in our discussions about science, arts and literature, language, names and brands.

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How did they keep track of all those gods? It comes down to a realllly complicated family tree. Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon each rule different parts of the universe—and all the gods found creative ways of causing trouble on Earth. Each god and goddess had their own speciality, from the goddess of the…

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Greek Mythology is a group of epic* stories about Gods, Goddesses, heroes, creatures and the rituals* of Ancient Greece.

Most of these stories were told by the Ancient Greeks to their families and friends over many generations. The stories often featured wars and heroic battles, frightening monsters, and also taught the importance of bravery, intelligence, fear, love, fun and right and wrong.

Many myths were based on the fact that Gods, like human men and women, could be punished or rewarded for their actions.

The Ancient Greeks used myths about Gods to help them understand things happening around them such as the forces of nature. There were sea gods, woodland gods, sky gods, underwater gods, half-gods and human heroes undertaking courageous or romantic adventures.

WHEN DID GREEK MYTHOLOGY BEGIN?
It is difficult to say exactly when Greek Mythology started. Details of the ancient tales have been found on everything from pottery to temples and stone statues over the years.

However, it is believed the first Ancient Greek civilisations* were formed nearly 4000 years ago (approximately 1600 BC) by the Mycenaeans of Crete (a Greek island). The Ancient Greek Empire spread from Greece throughout Europe and, in 800 BC, the Greeks started to split their land into city-states, each with its own laws, customs and rulers.

The largest were Athens, Sparta, Thebes and Corinth.

Each state controlled the territory around a single city, and they were often at war with each other.

Athens became the most powerful city-state and in 508 BC, a new system of rule called democracy* was created by the people. But during that time, only men were allowed to vote.

Gaia (Earth)

Ouranos (Sky)

Pontos (Sea), and

Tartaros (the Underworld)

FIRST WRITTEN TEXT ABOUT GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Around 700 BC, the poet Hesiod's Theogony offered the first written version of Greek Mythology. Theogony tells the story of the universe's journey from nothingness (Chaos) to reality, and details a family tree of elements, Gods and Goddesses who evolved from Chaos and descended from:

The two oldest surviving examples of Greek literature are The Iliad and The Odyssey, epic poems written by Homer that describe the Trojan War, a conflict between the Greeks and the city of Troy fought almost 1200 years before the Common Era.

ANCIENT GREEK VIEW OF THE WORLD
The Greeks believed the world was flat, like a plate, and that the centre of the universe was Greece.

Their world was divided by the Mediterranean Sea, which means "Middle of the Lands" in Latin. They believed the river Ocean flowed around the world in a clockwise motion.

In the north lived the Hyperboreans - an extremely happy people for whom life was always rosy. When the old people became tired of living, they simply threw themselves into the sea.

This was a land of endless relaxation where people were said to live for 1000 years.

In the south lived the Ethiopians. In Greek drama, mention is often made of various gods being in Ethiopia, meaning really far away. Ethiopians were said to have good relationships with the Gods and liked to entertain them.
VIDEO: Some modern people still believe the Earth is flat.
To the west were the Elysian Fields. This was the closest the Greeks got to the idea of heaven - only the best and brightest of the dead were allowed to go there.

Ancient Greeks dressed differently, too.
Most wore a chiton, which was similar to a long T-shirt made from one large piece of cotton. The poor slaves, however, had to make do with a loincloth (a small strip of cloth wrapped around the waist).

CELEBRATING THE GODS
The Ancient Greeks believed that happy Gods meant happy lives, so they spent a lot of time celebrating the Gods and praying to them.

To show the Gods how important they were, the Greeks built temples in every town for one God or Goddess.

The most famous temple is the Parthenon in Athens. This temple was built for the Goddess Athena, the protector of the city.

The temples were not like modern places of worship, for ordinary people to pray in. They were homes for statues of Gods, which were cared for by priests.

Religious ceremonies and festivals went on outside the temple. To celebrate the God Zeus, for example, the first Greek Olympics were held in the city of Olympia in 776 BC and are thought to have inspired our own Olympic Games.

Rich cities, like Athens, built temples with the best stone, and decorated them with paintings, statues and carvings.

People also had special places in their homes where they could pray to the Gods. There were public shrines in all sorts of places where people could pray and leave presents so the Gods would grant their wishes for things such as a good harvest, a safe journey or for their children to become beautiful.

Priests were important people in the community. They were believed to have the power to talk to the Gods and so were respected and trusted.

There were only two ways you could become a priest. Either your mother or father was a priest or you were made a priest by a dying priest.
GLOSSARY

epic: grand or amazing

rituals: actions performed in a specific order

civilisations: society, culture, and way of life of a particular area.

democracy: a system of government elected by the people

A priest's main job was to look after the temples and the visitors to the temples.
QUICK QUIZ

1. How many years ago were the first Ancient Greek civilisations?

2. Name the four family tree elements that Gods and Goddesses descended from.

3. What were the Elysian Fields?

4. How did the Ancient Greeks show the Gods how important they were?

5. Who had the power to talk to the Gods?

LISTEN TO THIS STORY

EXTRA READING
Part two: The Gods of Mt Olympus
Part three: Greek Gods and their stories

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
Refer to the accompanying Greek Myths and Legends classroom workbook with 25 activities. Can be purchased for $5 including GST at https://kidsnews.myshopify.com/products/greek-myths-and-legends.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you believe the Earth is round or flat? Why do you believe this?
No one-word answers. Use full sentences to explain your thinking. No comments will show until approved by editors.

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Enter the Access ID and Passcode provided by your school to access Britannica School.

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In the history of Greek gods, there is a group of gods that came before all else. These primordial gods are almost conceptual in nature, representing much vaster domains than those that would come after them. These gods continue to pop up in tale throughout the span of Greek myth, usually functioning more as places or concepts than actual characters.
The First Gods
The first god to appear in Greek myth is Chaos (or Kaos), who represented the void. He was shortly thereafter he was joined by Gaia, who both was and represented the Earth.

Chaos would give birth to two children, the Nyx (Night} and Erebus (Darkness). They in turn would give birth to Aether (Light) and Hemera (Day). Gaia would soon give birth to her own primordial children, Uranus (Sky) and Pontus (Sea).
The Other Gods
While these are the first gods of myth are generally agreed upon, there are others that tend to be lumped in with the primordial gods. The most important of these is probably Tartarus, who is both a primordial god and who will later become known as a prison for monsters.

There are, though, a number of other primordial concepts that are usually added to this list. A few of them include Aion (Eternity). Moirai (Fate) and sometimes Chronos (Time). Depending on which mythology you choose to read, there may be dozens of others concepts added to the list of primordial gods.
What They Represent
More important than who these gods were to the Greek is what they represented. These were the gods that represented the big concepts from the beginning of time, the gods that laid the foundations for all of the other gods.

When you see the primordial gods in Greek tales, they usually exist as either the gods that are somehow greater in scope than the actual gods (like Gaia) or as the gods that gave birth to the other gods (Chronos). These are the gods that are even less connected to humanity than their Greek counterparts, usually having no interaction with humans at all.

The primordial gods are a group of gods that help to lay the foundation for what will come next in the Greek world. As concepts, they're too big to make human. Instead, they help to give birth to the things that are more easily understood and provide the background for stories that have a great impact on the lives of those who followed the ancient Greek religions. Though they don't play a large role in the ancient tales, they nonetheless are what most of these stories are built upon.

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Primordial * Facts and Information on the God Primordial

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In the history of Greek gods, there is a group of gods that came before all else. These primordial gods are almost conceptual in nature, representing much vaster domains than those that would come after them. These gods continue to pop up in tale throughout the span of Greek myth, usually functioning more as places [...]

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How has Greek Mythology impacted everyday life?

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How has Greek Mythology impacted everyday life?

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Was Greek mythology adapted into Roman mythology, or vice-versa? 

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Was Greek mythology adapted into Roman mythology, or vice-versa? 