Ancient Greek Gods: The Religion Behind the Myths

Greek religion. The ancient Greeks were very religious. They were polytheists, which means they worshipped many gods. People had shrines in their homes to their favorite household gods. They offered prayers and sacrifices in their homes. The sacrifices were often simple, a few drops of wine or the first few bits of food. The ten main gods and goddesses were said to live on the top of Mount Olympus, which was always covered in clouds. Although most Greek myths revolved around these ten major gods and goddesses, there were gods and goddesses for pretty much everything. Here are just a few. Apollo, the god of music, poetry, light and knowledge. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. Kronos, the god of time. Hades, the god of the underworld. Hecate, the goddess of ghosts and magic. Hermes, the messenger god. Hestia, the goddess of the home and hearth. Hygieia, the goddess of good health and cleanliness. Hypnos, the god of sleep. Naik, the goddess of victory. Poseidon, the god of the sea. Zeus, the god of the sky, thunder and lightning, justice and king of the gods. Every Greek city had a temple and statue dedicated to its patron god or goddess. People travelled great distances to worship gods and goddesses in their temples. Every temple had a priest. The priest could talk to the gods and ask questions on behalf of the people. There are still priests in Greece today, but religion looks very different. Ninety percent of the Greek population are Christians who belong to the Greek Orthodox Church. In the 1st century AD, Christian preachers arrived in Greece. Over time, the Greeks stopped worshipping the ancient gods and started believing in Jesus Christ and the God of the Bible.