Ancient Greek Civilisations: Nine Aspects

guy in sky throw lightning bolt

Origins

Greek Religion in Greece became established in 750 bc. In the 2nd millennium, people began to worship Zeus.

Mythologies (Gods)

* Zeus: The ruler of Olympus, God of Lightning.
* Poseidon: God of the oceans and seas.
* Hades: God of the Underworld.

Beliefs

Concerned with traditional tales told in Greece. Note, there is a difference between Greek mythology and religion though the two are closely interconnected. No real doctrine.

Sacred Stories

* Stories to do with the Gods.
* The Homeric Hymns.
* Delphic inscriptions and oracles.
* Sibylline prophecies.

Texts

There aren’t any, in terms of a Christian or Islam mindset of a Bible or Quran. Many words of the Gods such as Aristotle or Homer’s Odyssey can be read for a greater understanding.

Rituals

Many animal sacrifices were given to the Gods in temples, with different animals sacred to specific Gods. Praying to deities is also a common practice, with processions at festivals.

Places, Spaces, Times, Artefacts

* Places: Temple of Hephaestus, The Acropolis in Athens, Mount Olympus.
* Spaces: Shrines, some can be in homes.
* Times: Panathenaea, an ancient Greek festival to offer sacrifices to the Gods. Olympic Games: the ancient festival Zeus held every fourth summer.
* Artefacts: Statues of the Gods, art or stonework.

Spiritual Experiences

Any festivals, rituals, substances or actions used to get closer to their deities.

Ethics

\-Aretē: an excellence of strength or ability, living up to one’s full potential.

\-Timē: objective of a successful, attaining honour.

\-Hybris: trying to go beyond one’s possibilities.

Symbols

* The Gorgon (Medusa): Turned people to stone with a look, power so strong.
* The Minotaur: fear of the unknown, human nature.

Social Structures

Athenian Society separated into four categories: Upper class, metics (middle), freedmen (lower), and the slave men.