Beliefs and CustomsAncient Greece

Chapter 11 Lesson 2

Geography of Greece

Ancient Greeks were fishers, sailors, traders (all three because of the sea) and farmers

There was a favorable climate for growing some crops such as olives and grapes

Greek Gods and Myths

Greeks did not think of their gods as distant beings, but felt that they were a part of peoples’ every day lives

Gods had divine (godly) & human qualities

Gods were flawed and had human emotions like anger and jealousy

Greek Gods and Myths Zeus was the “head” god and ruler of the other gods

Greeks believed Zeus and 11 other main gods lived on Mount Olympus

They also had hundreds of other less important gods

Each city-state had a special god or goddesses to protect it

Greek Mythology

Myths: stories that people tell to explain beliefs about their world

The myth of Prometheus tells how he stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans

Honoring the Gods

The Greeks built statues to honor the gods & temples as places for the gods to live Certain days were holy to different gods

Some monthly, some yearly People celebrated with public festivals, sacrifices, and ceremonies The most important festivals were for the 12 Olympian Gods (those who lived on Mount Olympus)

The Olympics

In Greece, games were always a part of religious festivals

The Olympics were the largest games

Held every four years as a part of a festival that honored Zeus in the city of Olympia

The Olympics

The oldest records are from 776 B.C.E.The first games had only a foot race

Over time, other events were addedWrestling, long jump, javelin throw, and discus throw Tested skills that were valuable to soldiers

Women’s games were also held in a festival to honor Hera, Zeus’ wife

Early Greek LiteratureEpic Poems

long stories passed down through generations, usually about heroes (best examples - Homer’s Illiad and

Odyssey)

Early Greek Literature

Aesop’s FablesFable: a short story, usually involving animals, that teachers a moral lesson

Lesson Summary

The ancient Greeks created stories about their gods, who were important to their daily livesThe ancient Greeks honored their gods through festivals that included rituals and athletic gamesEarly Greeks wrote fables and epic poems