Post on 02-Jan-2016
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