Zeus

Zeus was the supreme god in the religion of ancient Greece. He is described as king of the gods, ruler of the sky, thunder and lightning. The concept of Zeus formed part of the belief system of early Greek societies, in which natural phenomena and social hierarchies were explained through personified deities.

Stories concerning Zeus appear in early literature, notably in the poetry of Homer (the Iliad and Odyssey) and the works of Hesiod, such as the Theogony, which explains the origins of the gods. In Roman religion, Zeus was equated with Jupiter, demonstrating how the belief systems of the two societies influenced one another.

Position in the divine order

According to standard accounts, Zeus was the son of Kronos and Rhea. He is said to have overthrown Kronos and then divided authority over the world among his brothers: Zeus took the sky, Poseidon the sea, and Hades the underworld and the realm of the dead. Zeus is described as the head of the group of gods believed to dwell on Mount Olympus.

Symbols and attributes

In ancient art and texts, Zeus is represented as a bearded man holding a thunderbolt. The eagle and the oak tree are also associated symbols. This image became an influential model in Western art through the centuries.

Worship and sites

Zeus was worshipped at various temples and sanctuaries throughout the Greek world. Olympia was an important site associated with his worship and the athletic games held there; Dodona was connected with an oracle (a method of divination) conducted in his name. Worship involved sacrifice and annual festivals.