Culture
Like in most cultures the religion of the ancient Greeks was extremely important to them. The belief in their gods was a big part in their religion and since they were polytheistic, they believed in many gods. Each god represented a specific facet of human life. Such as the ruler of all gods and the sky, Zeus, Poseidon, the ruler of the seas, and Hades, the ruler of the Underworld. The gods were believed to live on Mt. Olympus, which was supposed to be located above Greece. They were given human bodies and characteristics, both good and bad. The gods were like ordinary people, despite the fact that they had special powers and were immortal. Some gods became patrons of cities, and were asked for help in various situations. Temples were built and rituals were practiced as part of the Greek culture. The gods were worshiped at these temples and were carried out by certified priests and their servants. Most of these sites were just built as an altar, yet they were then built into temples in order to honor a particular god. These sacred sites also obtained honorary statues and fountains usually because of a great victory in a battle, and the Greeks wanted to thank the gods for their help. Sacrifices were also made here especially animals such as, pigs, sheep, goats, and cows. Yet if a person felt like they needed to they could do private practices. They could make their own sacrifices and say their own prayers. Athletic games, theater, and music competitions were held at cultural festivals. The athletic games soon later became known as the modern day Olympics, which at the time were held to honor the God of all gods, Zeus. These special events were so dearly sacred to the Greeks that they declared any warfare to end or stop so the events could occur and everyone could enjoy.
Like in most cultures the religion of the ancient Greeks was extremely important to them. The belief in their gods was a big part in their religion and since they were polytheistic, they believed in many gods. Each god represented a specific facet of human life. Such as the ruler of all gods and the sky, Zeus, Poseidon, the ruler of the seas, and Hades, the ruler of the Underworld. The gods were believed to live on Mt. Olympus, which was supposed to be located above Greece. They were given human bodies and characteristics, both good and bad. The gods were like ordinary people, despite the fact that they had special powers and were immortal. Some gods became patrons of cities, and were asked for help in various situations. Temples were built and rituals were practiced as part of the Greek culture. The gods were worshiped at these temples and were carried out by certified priests and their servants. Most of these sites were just built as an altar, yet they were then built into temples in order to honor a particular god. These sacred sites also obtained honorary statues and fountains usually because of a great victory in a battle, and the Greeks wanted to thank the gods for their help. Sacrifices were also made here especially animals such as, pigs, sheep, goats, and cows. Yet if a person felt like they needed to they could do private practices. They could make their own sacrifices and say their own prayers. Athletic games, theater, and music competitions were held at cultural festivals. The athletic games soon later became known as the modern day Olympics, which at the time were held to honor the God of all gods, Zeus. These special events were so dearly sacred to the Greeks that they declared any warfare to end or stop so the events could occur and everyone could enjoy.