Greek gods

• Define the term Pantheon


  The term given to the gods when we speak of them collectively.
• Define the term iconography

  The symbols attached to a particular character when represented in an image.
• Define polytheism


  Belief in many gods
• Define anthropomorphism


  Giving human form or attributes to something not human.
• What is an epithet?

  An adjectival word or phrase added to a name to denote a particular quality. E.g. Loud Thundering Zeus, Earth Shaker Poseidon.
• What was the Greek word for "religion."

  Hiera
• What is the Roman word for religion?

  Religio
• Why is it incorrect to state that Greek and Roman religion is based on belief?

  Greek and Roman religion focused on the physical acts of worship such as sacrifice.
• Name the place where the Greek believed that their most important gods inhabited.

  Mount Olympus
• Name an important god who was not an Olympian.


  Hades
• Name the Greek king of the gods.

  Zeus
• Why was there frequent tension between Zeus and Hera?

  Zeus was promiscuous.
• List three of Zeus' responsibilities:

  The keeper of justice, god of the skies and the god of fate.
• How was Zeus represented?

  As a bearded man wearing a lightning bolt. In addition he was shown holding an eagle or on a throne with a sceptre.
• Name the Greek god of the seas.

  Poseidon
• Poseidon competed with which goddess to found Athens?

  Athena
• List Poseidon's iconography.


  Beard and Trident.
• What does it mean to call Hades a chthonic deity?

  He was god of the underworld and an Olympian.
• Name Hades' wife.


  Persephone
• List Hades' iconography.


  He is shown with a cornucopia.
• What is a cornucopia?


  A horn shell that contained an endless supply of food and drink.
• What were the responsibilities of Hera?

  Marriage, women, childbirth and the family.
• Why did Hera oppose the Trojans in the Trojan war?

  Paris did not choose to give her the Golden apple.
• Why did Hera dislike Heracles?

  Heracles was the son of Zeus but not of Hera.
• Name an item of iconography associated with Hera.

  A diadem a crown associated with gods or kinds.
• Who was the Greek god of war and wisdom?

  Athena
• How was Athena born?


  She sprung from Zeus' head after he ate Metis her mother.
• What creature is associated with Athena?


  An owl
• Name three military items of iconography associated with Athena.

  Helmet, spear and aegis.
• Athen was also depicted with Nike who was Nike?

  The winged goddess of victory.
• What is Athena's epithet?

  Parthenos - the virgin. From where the Parthenon gets its name.
• Who was the goddess of agriculture and the harvest?

  Demeter
• What is the iconography of Demeter?

  A diadem, wheat, grain or flowers.
• What was Hestia the goddess of?

  Home and hearth
• How is Hestia depicted?

  With a veiled head
• Why was the goddess of the hearth important to ancient Greeks?

  There was no heating or electricity
• Who was the god of metalworking, fire and craftsmen?

  Hephaistos
• How did Hephaistos work?

  He had a limp
• How is Hephaistos depicted?

  He has a hammer.
• What was Aphrodite the goddess of?

  Love and beauty