A New Type of Religion

Many of the civilizations that existed prior to the Greeks believed in gods and goddesses that were terrible, mean, and most importantly, that were not human. Instead, these gods often took the form of animals, monsters, and beasts. The people believed that mankind existed for the sole purpose of serving and pleasing the gods.

The Greeks had a new outlook on religion. They believed that the gods and mankind had a partnership with one another, and that both existed to serve one another. They believed that their gods were human in form, and that they exhibited human emotions, including jealously, love, and hatred. Their gods married, had families, and even committed murder.

The only difference between mankind, and the gods was that the gods had supernatural powers, while mankind did not. Greek students were taught to strive to be the best individuals they could possibly be, so that they could be more like the gods.

Each Greek city-state selected a patron god as their protector. This god was worshiped, in an effort to please them, so that their good favor would fall upon the people of that region. Every Greek Citizen also worshiped the chief god Zues.

The Greeks believed that the 12 most important and most powerful gods lived on top of a mountain in Northern Greece known as Mount Olympus. From this holy mountain, the people believed that the gods ruled, and controlled all aspects of the natural world, as well as all aspects of the lives of individual people.