Content - Part 2
Geography and Its Impact on Greece's Development - Part 2

Religion in Ancient Greece

Although the Greek city-states developed somewhat independently, they shared a polytheistic religion with a large set of gods and goddesses. The relationships and actions of these gods and goddesses were collected into myths, or stories. Each independent polis took pride in its identity as a people, and formulated its own symbols and patron gods. For instance, the goddess Athena was the patron goddess of Athens. Greek gods and goddesses were used to explain occurrences ranging from weather and natural phenomena like earthquakes and flooding, human emotions and personality traits like love and hate, and major and minor life events like childbirth and marriage. The Greek religion impacted culture, politics, and art.

Greek Mythology Interactivity

Greek mythology includes many myths that depict the gods and goddesses interacting with one another, and with their human contemporaries. The gods and goddesses played a significant role in Greek life throughout the year in rituals and festivals, as humans attempted to appease or receive favors from the heavens. In this interactivity, you will learn more about several of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

Athena, Athens, and the Parthenon

Parthenon temple on the Athenian Acropolis
Parthenon temple on the Athenian Acropolis
According to myth, Athena became the patron goddess of the city-state of Athens through a competition with Poseidon. The two gods were asked to give something of worth to the city-state. Poseidon presented the horse, while Athena provided the olive tree. The people of the polis saw the olive tree as having more worth since they could use olive oil for cooking and heating, while the olive itself is a food source, among other uses. Thus, the city-state became Athens, in reverence to the goddess Athena.

During the height of Athenian power, the city of Athens built the Parthenon as a temple to Athena. The Parthenon was built on the Athenian acropolis, an ancient fortress at the edge of the city. The building was highly decorated and contained a variety of sculptures dedicated to Athena and other gods.
The Parthenon is just one example where architecture reveals Greek mythology. Symbols and images of Greek gods and goddesses are throughout Western literature, art, and architecture. Perhaps you can find some in your own studies or around your community.

eMediaVA iconTake a moment to view the video, Delphi: Religion and Ritual, from eMediaVASM, to learn more about a city's dedication to the worship of a god. While you watch the video, take note of the similarities between the worship of Athena in Athens and the worship of Apollo in Delphi.

Geography and Its Impact on Greece's Development Review - Part 2

Geography and Its Impact on Greece's Development Review - Part 2 Interactivity

review iconNow that you have learned about religion in ancient Greece, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player button to get started.