ancient greek religion essay

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Greek gods and religious practices.

Terracotta aryballos (oil flask)

Signed by Nearchos as potter

Bronze Herakles

Bronze mirror with a support in the form of a nude girl

Terracotta column-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)

Attributed to Lydos

Terracotta kylix (drinking cup)

Attributed to the Amasis Painter

Terracotta Panathenaic prize amphora

Attributed to the Euphiletos Painter

Terracotta amphora (jar)

Signed by Andokides as potter

Attributed to the Kleophrades Painter

Terracotta statuette of Nike, the personification of victory

Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)

Attributed to the Tithonos Painter

Attributed to the Villa Giulia Painter

Attributed to the Nikon Painter

Terracotta stamnos (jar)

Attributed to the Menelaos Painter

Attributed to the Sabouroff Painter

Attributed to the Phiale Painter

Marble head of a woman wearing diadem and veil

Terracotta oinochoe: chous (jug)

Attributed to the Meidias Painter

Ganymede jewelry

Set of jewelry

Gold stater

Marble head of Athena

Bronze statue of Eros sleeping

Ten marble fragments of the Great Eleusinian Relief

Limestone statue of a veiled female votary

Marble head of a deity wearing a Dionysiac fillet

Marble statue of an old woman

Marble statuette of young Dionysos

Colette Hemingway Independent Scholar

Seán Hemingway Department of Greek and Roman Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

October 2003

The ancient Greeks worshipped many gods, each with a distinct personality and domain. Greek myths explained the origins of the gods and their individual relations with mankind. The art of Archaic and Classical Greece illustrates many mythological episodes, including an established iconography of attributes that identify each god. There were twelve principal deities in the Greek pantheon. Foremost was Zeus, the sky god and father of the gods, to whom the ox and the oak tree were sacred; his two brothers, Hades and Poseidon, reigned over the Underworld and the sea, respectively. Hera, Zeus’s sister and wife, was queen of the gods; she is frequently depicted wearing a tall crown, or polos. Wise Athena, the patron goddess of Athens ( 1996.178 ), who typically appears in full armor with her aegis (a goatskin with a snaky fringe), helmet, and spear ( 07.286.79 ), was also the patroness of weaving and carpentry. The owl and the olive tree were sacred to her. Youthful Apollo ( 53.224 ), who is often represented with the kithara , was the god of music and prophecy. Judging from his many cult sites, he was one of the most important gods in Greek religion. His main sanctuary at Delphi, where Greeks came to ask questions of the oracle, was considered to be the center of the universe ( 63.11.6 ). Apollo’s twin sister Artemis, patroness of hunting, often carried a bow and quiver. Hermes ( 25.78.2 ), with his winged sandals and elaborate herald’s staff, the kerykeion, was the messenger god. Other important deities were Aphrodite, the goddess of love; Dionysos, the god of wine and theater ; Ares, the god of war ; and the lame Hephaistos, the god of metalworking. The ancient Greeks believed that Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in mainland Greece, was the home of the gods.

Ancient Greek religious practice, essentially conservative in nature, was based on time-honored observances, many rooted in the Bronze Age (3000–1050 B.C.), or even earlier. Although the Iliad and the Odyssey of Homer, believed to have been composed around the eighth century B.C., were powerful influences on Greek thought, the ancient Greeks had no single guiding work of scripture like the Jewish Torah, the Christian Bible, or the Muslim Qu’ran. Nor did they have a strict priestly caste. The relationship between human beings and deities was based on the concept of exchange: gods and goddesses were expected to give gifts. Votive offerings, which have been excavated from sanctuaries by the thousands, were a physical expression of thanks on the part of individual worshippers.

The Greeks worshipped in sanctuaries located, according to the nature of the particular deity, either within the city or in the countryside. A sanctuary was a well-defined sacred space set apart usually by an enclosure wall. This sacred precinct, also known as a temenos, contained the temple with a monumental cult image of the deity, an outdoor altar, statues and votive offerings to the gods, and often features of landscape such as sacred trees or springs. Many temples benefited from their natural surroundings, which helped to express the character of the divinities. For instance, the temple at Sounion dedicated to Poseidon, god of the sea, commands a spectacular view of the water on three sides, and the Parthenon on the rocky Athenian Akropolis celebrates the indomitable might of the goddess Athena.

The central ritual act in ancient Greece was animal sacrifice, especially of oxen, goats, and sheep. Sacrifices took place within the sanctuary, usually at an altar in front of the temple, with the assembled participants consuming the entrails and meat of the victim. Liquid offerings, or libations ( 1979.11.15 ), were also commonly made. Religious festivals, literally feast days, filled the year. The four most famous festivals, each with its own procession, athletic competitions ( 14.130.12 ), and sacrifices, were held every four years at Olympia, Delphi, Nemea, and Isthmia. These Panhellenic festivals were attended by people from all over the Greek-speaking world. Many other festivals were celebrated locally, and in the case of mystery cults , such as the one at Eleusis near Athens, only initiates could participate.

Hemingway, Colette, and Seán Hemingway. “Greek Gods and Religious Practices.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/grlg/hd_grlg.htm (October 2003)

Further Reading

Burkert, Walter. Greek Religion . Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1985.

Hornblower, Simon, and Antony Spawforth, eds. The Oxford Classical Dictionary . 3d ed., rev. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003.

Pedley, John Griffiths. Greek Art and Archaeology . 2d ed. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1998.

Pomeroy, Sarah B., et al. Ancient Greece: A Political, Social, and Cultural History . New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.

Robertson, Martin. A History of Greek Art . 2 vols. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1975.

Additional Essays by Seán Hemingway

• Hemingway, Seán. “ Art of the Hellenistic Age and the Hellenistic Tradition .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Greek Hydriai (Water Jars) and Their Artistic Decoration .” (July 2007)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Hellenistic Jewelry .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Intellectual Pursuits of the Hellenistic Age .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Mycenaean Civilization .” (October 2003)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Africans in Ancient Greek Art .” (January 2008)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Ancient Greek Colonization and Trade and their Influence on Greek Art .” (July 2007)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ The Art of Classical Greece (ca. 480–323 B.C.) .” (January 2008)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Athletics in Ancient Greece .” (October 2002)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ The Rise of Macedon and the Conquests of Alexander the Great .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ The Technique of Bronze Statuary in Ancient Greece .” (October 2003)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Cyprus—Island of Copper .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Music in Ancient Greece .” (October 2001)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Etruscan Art .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Prehistoric Cypriot Art and Culture .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Seán. “ Minoan Crete .” (October 2002)

Additional Essays by Colette Hemingway

• Hemingway, Colette. “ Art of the Hellenistic Age and the Hellenistic Tradition .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Greek Hydriai (Water Jars) and Their Artistic Decoration .” (July 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Hellenistic Jewelry .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Intellectual Pursuits of the Hellenistic Age .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Mycenaean Civilization .” (October 2003)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Retrospective Styles in Greek and Roman Sculpture .” (July 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Africans in Ancient Greek Art .” (January 2008)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Ancient Greek Colonization and Trade and their Influence on Greek Art .” (July 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Architecture in Ancient Greece .” (October 2003)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Art of Classical Greece (ca. 480–323 B.C.) .” (January 2008)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Labors of Herakles .” (January 2008)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Athletics in Ancient Greece .” (October 2002)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Rise of Macedon and the Conquests of Alexander the Great .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Technique of Bronze Statuary in Ancient Greece .” (October 2003)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Women in Classical Greece .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Cyprus—Island of Copper .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Music in Ancient Greece .” (October 2001)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) and Art .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Etruscan Art .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Prehistoric Cypriot Art and Culture .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Sardis .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Medicine in Classical Antiquity .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Southern Italian Vase Painting .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Theater in Ancient Greece .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Kithara in Ancient Greece .” (October 2002)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Minoan Crete .” (October 2002)

Related Essays

• The Art of Classical Greece (ca. 480–323 B.C.)
• Athenian Vase Painting: Black- and Red-Figure Techniques
• Death, Burial, and the Afterlife in Ancient Greece
• Music in Ancient Greece
• Theater in Ancient Greece
• Africans in Ancient Greek Art
• Architecture in Ancient Greece
• Early Cycladic Art and Culture
• Eastern Religions in the Roman World
• Etruscan Language and Inscriptions
• Greek Hydriai (Water Jars) and Their Artistic Decoration
• Greek Terracotta Figurines with Articulated Limbs
• The Julio-Claudian Dynasty (27 B.C.–68 A.D.)
• The Labors of Herakles
• Medicine in Classical Antiquity
• Medusa in Ancient Greek Art
• Mystery Cults in the Greek and Roman World
• Retrospective Styles in Greek and Roman Sculpture
• The Roman Banquet
• Roman Sarcophagi
• Southern Italian Vase Painting
• The Symposium in Ancient Greece
• Time of Day on Painted Athenian Vases
• Women in Classical Greece

List of Rulers

• List of Rulers of the Ancient Greek World
• List of Rulers of the Roman Empire
• Ancient Greece, 1000 B.C.–1 A.D.
• Ancient Greece, 1–500 A.D.
• Southern Europe, 2000–1000 B.C.
• Southern Europe, 8000–2000 B.C.
• 10th Century B.C.
• 1st Century B.C.
• 2nd Century B.C.
• 2nd Millennium B.C.
• 3rd Century B.C.
• 3rd Millennium B.C.
• 4th Century B.C.
• 5th Century B.C.
• 6th Century B.C.
• 7th Century B.C.
• 8th Century B.C.
• 9th Century B.C.
• Ancient Greek Art
• Aphrodite / Venus
• Archaic Period
• Ares / Mars
• Artemis / Diana
• Athena / Minerva
• Balkan Peninsula
• Classical Period
• Deity / Religious Figure
• Dionysus / Bacchus
• Eros / Cupid
• Geometric Period
• Greek and Roman Mythology
• Greek Literature / Poetry
• Herakles / Hercules
• Hermes / Mercury
• Homer’s Iliad
• Homer’s Odyssey
• Literature / Poetry
• Musical Instrument
• Mycenaean Art
• Mythical Creature
• Nike / Victory
• Plucked String Instrument
• Poseidon / Neptune
• Religious Art
• Satyr / Faun
• String Instrument
• Zeus / Jupiter

Artist or Maker

• Achilles Painter
• Amasis Painter
• Andokides Painter
• Euphiletos Painter
• Kleophrades Painter
• Lysippides Painter
• Meidias Painter
• Menelaos Painter
• Nikon Painter
• Phiale Painter
• Sabouroff Painter
• Tithonos Painter
• Villa Giulia Painter

Online Features

• 82nd & Fifth: “Enamored” by Seán Hemingway
• Connections: “Motherhood” by Jean Sorabella
• Connections: “Olympians” by Gwen Roginsky and Ana Sofia Meneses

Greek Religion: the Religion of Ancient Greece

This essay about Ancient Greek religion explores its profound impact on Greek society, detailing the pantheon of gods and their roles, from Zeus to Dionysus. It discusses how religion permeated every aspect of life, influencing moral values and guiding daily actions through rituals, festivals, and oracles. The narrative highlights how Greek religion evolved with political and cultural changes, maintaining its significance across time and space, and its lasting influence on modern perceptions of philosophy and spirituality.

How it works

Embedded within the rich tapestry of human civilizations, Ancient Greece stands as a luminous beacon of intellectual prowess and cultural magnificence, its religious tapestry intricately woven with threads of divine intrigue and mortal aspiration. Spanning epochs, Greek religious beliefs transcended mere superstition, becoming foundational to societal identity and infusing every aspect of existence with a sense of the sacred.

At its nucleus resided a pantheon of deities, each personifying distinct virtues and powers. Zeus, the thunderous patriarch of Olympus, reigned supreme over the celestial domain, while Hera, his queen, embodied marital fidelity and domestic harmony.

Athena, sprung fully armored from her father’s brow, epitomized wisdom and strategic acumen, and Apollo, the radiant god of prophecy and music, illuminated the heavens with his celestial grace.

However, the divine realm extended far beyond the slopes of Mount Olympus. Hades, the somber lord of the underworld, governed the realm of the deceased with solemn authority, while Poseidon, the god of the seas, commanded the tumultuous waters with his trident. Demeter, the nurturing goddess of agriculture, bestowed fertility upon the land, and Dionysus, the enigmatic god of wine and revelry, inspired both ecstasy and madness in equal measure.

Central to Greek religious observance were the rituals performed at temples, sanctuaries, and oracular sites scattered throughout the landscape. Temples, adorned with intricate statuary and elaborate altars, served as hallowed precincts where mortals could commune with the divine. Pilgrims embarked on arduous journeys to revered sanctuaries such as Delphi, seeking guidance from the cryptic pronouncements of the oracle, believed to channel the wisdom of Apollo himself.

Festivals and revelries played an integral role in Greek religious life, serving as communal expressions of devotion and gratitude. The Olympic Games, held in homage to Zeus, showcased the athletic prowess of competitors from across the Greek world, while festivals like the Dionysia and the Panathenaea featured theatrical performances, processions, and feasting, uniting the populace in jubilant celebration of their shared cultural heritage.

Yet, Greek religion transcended mere ritual; it was a deeply ingrained worldview that suffused every facet of daily existence with significance. From birth to death, the Greeks invoked the blessings of the gods to navigate life’s trials and tribulations. They sought the counsel of Athena in times of decision and the protection of Hermes in moments of peril, offering prayers and sacrifices to secure divine favor.

Moreover, Greek religion served as a moral compass for society, instilling virtues such as honor, hospitality, and justice in the hearts of its adherents. Myths and legends imparted timeless lessons about the perils of hubris, the value of loyalty, and the potency of compassion, while heroes like Theseus and Perseus embodied the ideals of courage and self-sacrifice.

Despite its enduring resilience, Greek religion underwent profound metamorphoses in response to cultural, political, and intellectual shifts. The advent of democracy in Athens heralded an epoch of religious tolerance and philosophical inquiry, while the conquests of Alexander the Great disseminated Greek culture and religion across vast expanses of the known world, engendering syncretism and cultural exchange.

In summation, the legacy of Greek religion stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity to transcend the mundane and aspire toward the divine. Its myths and rituals continue to evoke wonder and reverence in the hearts of all who encounter them, reminding us of our shared humanity and the eternal quest for meaning and purpose in the cosmos. As we contemplate the enduring legacy of Ancient Greece, let us honor the profound wisdom and insight of its religious tradition, which continues to shape our perception of the world and our role within it.

Cite this page

Greek Religion: The Religion Of Ancient Greece. (2024, Apr 14). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/greek-religion-the-religion-of-ancient-greece/

"Greek Religion: The Religion Of Ancient Greece." PapersOwl.com , 14 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/greek-religion-the-religion-of-ancient-greece/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Greek Religion: The Religion Of Ancient Greece . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/greek-religion-the-religion-of-ancient-greece/ [Accessed: 21 Apr. 2024]

"Greek Religion: The Religion Of Ancient Greece." PapersOwl.com, Apr 14, 2024. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/greek-religion-the-religion-of-ancient-greece/

"Greek Religion: The Religion Of Ancient Greece," PapersOwl.com , 14-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/greek-religion-the-religion-of-ancient-greece/. [Accessed: 21-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Greek Religion: The Religion Of Ancient Greece . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/greek-religion-the-religion-of-ancient-greece/ [Accessed: 21-Apr-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

• Tools and Resources
• Customer Services
• African Religions
• Ancient Religion
• Biblical Studies
• Biographies and Works
• Christianity
• Comparative Religions
• Global Perspectives on Religion
• Indigenous Religions
• Islamic Studies
• Judaism and Jewish Studies
• Literary and Textual Studies
• Methodology and Resources
• Mysticism and Spirituality
• Myth and Legend
• New Religions
• Religion and Art
• Religion and Politics
• Religion and Science
• Religion in America
• Rituals, Practices, and Symbolism
• Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology of Religion
• Theology and Philosophy of Religion
• Share This Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Article contents

Religion in ancient greece.

• Ivana Petrovic Ivana Petrovic Department of Classics, University of Virginia
• https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.013.63
• Published online: 29 May 2020

Ancient Greek religion was a polytheistic religion without a book, church, creed, or a professional priestly class. Due to the extraordinarily rich regional varieties in cult, fragmentary evidence and conjectural interpretations of it, conflicting mythological accounts, and the span of time treated, not a single absolute statement can be made about any aspect of Greek religion and exceptions exist for every general rule stated here.

Since Ancient Greeks perceived all aspects of nature as either divine or divinely controlled, and all aspects of individual and social life were thought to be subject to supernatural influence, paying proper respect to the gods and heroes was understood to be a fundamental necessity of life. Since no aspect of individual or social life was separate from “religion,” scholars refer to Ancient Greek religion as “embedded.” 1

The closest Ancient Greek comes to the English word “religion” are the noun thrēskeia (“acts of religious worship, ritual, service of gods”) and the verb thrēskeuō (“to perform religious observances”). Basic components of religious worship were the construction and upkeep of divine precincts, statues, altars, and temples, the observance of festivals, performance of sacrifices, bloodless offerings and libations, prayer, hymning, and observance of ritual abstinences and purifications. The closest Greek equivalents to “belief” were eusebeia (“reverent piety,” “respect”) and pistis (“trust in others” or “faith”). 2 Both words could qualify a relationship between humans, as well as a relationship between humans and a supernatural entity.

Since the Ancient Greeks did not have authoritative or divinely sent books of revelation, there was no script telling them what or whom to believe in and outlining the reasons why. The Greeks did not have professional priests who preserved, interpreted, and disseminated religious norms. 3 However, Greek literature is brimming with gods, and the stories about the gods, which they (and we) call “myths,” were not only in all their texts, but everywhere around them: depicted on their pottery, painted on their walls, chiseled on the stones of their buildings. 4 In the public space, there were countless divine statues, and the temples, altars, sacred groves, and divine precincts were everywhere around them. Ancient Greeks learned about the gods by hearing, watching, and doing: by seeing their parents perform a sacrifice, by observing them as they prayed, swore an oath, or performed libations, by participating in processions, singing and dancing in the chorus, eating the sacrificial meat in the sanctuaries, and by drinking wine, the gift of Dionysus. Ancient Greeks had no immediate need for theodicy, for the gods could be either benevolent, or angry, and their benevolence was perceived as a sign that the worship the community offered was appropriate, whereas natural catastrophes, crippling defeats in wars, or epidemics were interpreted as manifestations of divine anger, provoked by some human error or misstep. 5 Ancestral gods and heroes and the traditional way of worshipping them formed the cornerstone of Greek religiosity.

• ritual purity
• first-fruit offerings
• polis religion
• eschatology
• cult of the dead
• Eleusinian Mysteries

You do not currently have access to this article

Please login to access the full content.

Access to the full content requires a subscription

Printed from Oxford Research Encyclopedias, Religion. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a single article for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice).

date: 21 April 2024

• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice
• Accessibility
• [66.249.64.20|185.66.15.189]
• 185.66.15.189

Character limit 500 /500

Religion According to the Ancient Greeks

Learn how the ancient Greeks viewed the role of religion in their everyday lives.

Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, World History

The ancient Greeks believed in gods who were involved in all aspects of human life—work, theater, justice, politics, marriage, battle. There was no separation of church and state.

The gods of this ancient Greek pantheon were very human. They made mistakes and had recognizable flaws (like jealousy or vanity), to which their worshippers could relate.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Last Updated

October 19, 2023

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Classics and Ancient History

Greek religion - essays, the following are the essays from 2019/2020 to give an idea of the types of question that might be asked in 2023/2024., assessed essay - term 1, deadline: thursday 5th december (week 10).

Please respond to one of the following essays:

Note - books marked with an @ are available online at the Library

‘Everything is full of Gods’ (Thales of Miletus). How true is this as a description of Greek religion?

J Bremmer Greek Religion (Introduction) 1999 &3

Buxton (ed.) Oxford Readings in Greek Religion (Introduction) 2000 &4

Burkert Greek Religion (Introduction) 1985 @

R. Dodds ‘The Religion of the Ordinary Man in Classical Greece’ in E. R. Dodds The Ancient Concept of Progress and other essays 1973.140-55 &3

Eidinow and J. Kindt Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion 2016 @

Eidinow, J. Kindt and R. Osborne Theologies of ancient Greek religion 2016 @

Gould ‘On making sense of Greek religion’ in P. Easterling and J. Muir (eds.) Greek Religion and Society 1987.1-35 &3

Gordon (ed.) Myth, religion and society 1981 &3

Kearns ‘Order, Interaction and Authority: ways of looking at Greek religion in M. Morford et al (eds.). Classical Mythology 2011 &3

Larson ‘A Land full of Gods: Nature Deities in Greek Religion’ in D. Ogden (ed.) Blackwell Companion to Greek Religion 2007 (56-70) @

Larson Understanding Greek Religion: A Cognitive Approach 2016 @

D. Nock ‘Religious Attitudes of the Ancient Greeks’ in A. D. Nock Essays on Religion and the Ancient World 1972 vol.2 161-88 &2

Ogden (ed.) Blackwell Companion to Greek Religion 2007 @

Powell (ed). The Greek World 1996.511-529 @

Price Religions of the Ancient Greeks (Introduction) 1999 @

Woodard (ed.). The Cambridge Companion to Greek Mythology 2007 @

What role did the early poets have in shaping Greek religion?

Bremmer and A. Erskine (eds)The gods of ancient Greece: identities and transformations 2010 @

Dowden and N. Livingstone A Companion to Greek Mythology, 2011 @

Graziosi ‘Theologies of the family in Homer and Hesiod’ in E. Eidinow, J. Kindt and R. Osborne Theologies of ancient Greek religion 2016 (35-61) @

Kearns ‘Order, Interaction and Authority: ways of looking at Greek religion in

Larson Understanding Greek Religion: A Cognitive Approach 2016 (esp. 23-31) @

Morford et al (eds.). Classical Mythology 2011

Powell (ed). The Greek World 1996.511-29 @

To what extent did the concept of the ‘Twelve Olympians’ play an important role in Greek religious life?

Assman ‘Monotheism and Polytheism’ in S. I Johnston (ed). Religions of the Ancient World: a guide 2004 &3

Borgeaud The Cult of Pan in Ancient Greece 1988 &

Bruit-Zaidman and P. Schmitt-Pantel Religion in the Greek City 1992 @

Dowden ‘Olympian Gods, Olympian Pantheon’ in D. Ogden (ed.) Blackwell Companion to Greek Religion 2007 (41-56) @

Garland Introducing New Gods: the politics of Athenian religion 1992 &3

Larson ‘Greece’ in B. Stanley-Spaeth (ed.) Cambridge Companion to Ancient Mediterranean Religions 2014.136-56 @

Larson Understanding Greek Religion: A Cognitive Approach 2016 (esp. Chapter One) @

Mikalson ‘Greece’ in S I Johnston Religions of the Ancient World: a guide 2004 &3

Mikalson Ancient Greek Religion 2010 @

Mikalson Athenian Popular Religion 1983&3

Parker Athenian religion: a history 1996 &5

Parker Polytheism and Society at Athens 2005 @

Which was the best way of understanding the will of the gods in Ancient Greece?

Bonnechere ‘Divination” in D. Ogden (ed.) Blackwell Companion to Greek Religion 2007 (145-160) @

Bowden Classical Athens and the Delphic Oracle 2005 &3

Eidinow Oracles, curses and risk among the ancient Greeks 2007 (OUP) @

Flaceliere Greek Oracles 1961 &2

Flower The Seer in Ancient Greece 2008 @

I. Johnston and P. Struck (eds). Mantike: Studies in Ancient Divination 2005 @

Morgan Athletes and Oracles 1990 (particularly good on origins of Delphic oracle) &3

Morgan “Divination and Society at Delphi and Didyma” Hermathena 1989 (147) 17-42 @

D Ogden Greek and Roman Necromancy 2004 &3

Parke Greek Oracles 1967 &2

Parker ‘Greek States and Greek Oracles’ in R. Buxton Oxford Readings in Greek Religion 2000.76-108 &4

Price ‘Delphi and divination’ in P. Easterling and J. Muir (eds.). Greek Religion and Society 1987.155-190 &3

Scott Delphi: a history of the centre of the ancient world 2014 @

C R Whittaker ‘The Delphic Oracle: belief and behaviour in ancient Greece – and Africa’ in Harvard Theological Review 1965 (58) 21-47 @

ASSESSED ESSAY - TERM 2

Deadline: monday 24th february (week 8).

The gods had to respond to human favours. Discuss.

Bremmer ‘Greek Normative Animal Sacrifice’ in D. Ogden (ed.) Blackwell Companion to Greek Religion 2007 (132-144) @

Burkert Homo Necans: the anthropology of ancient Greek sacrificial ritual and myth 1995 @

Burkert “Offerings in perspective: surrender, distribution, exchange” in T. Linders and G Nordquist (eds.) Gifts to the Gods 1987 p.43-50 &1

Detienne and J.-P. Vernant (eds). The Cuisine of Sacrifice among the Greeks 1989 &3

Dickie Magic and Magicians in the Greco-Roman world 2003 @

C Faraone Ancient Greek Love Magic 1999

A. Faraone and F. S. Naiden Greek and Roman animal sacrifice: ancient victims, modern observers 2012 @

Fontenrose The Delphic oracle: its responses and operations with a catalogue of responses 1981 &2

Gager Curse Tablets and binding spells from the ancient world 1999 @

Hitch and I. Rutherford (eds) Animal sacrifice in the ancient Greek world 2017 @

D. Hughes Human Sacrifice in ancient Greece 1991 @

I. Johnston Ancient Greek Divination 2008 @

Morgan Athletes and Oracles 1990 &3

Morgan “Divination and Society at Delphi and Didyma” Hermathena 1989 @

Maurizio “Anthropology and Spirit Possession: A reconsideration of the Pythia’s role at Delphi” JHS 1995 (115) 69-86 @

Ogden Magic Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman worlds: a sourcebook 2002 &3

Parker ‘Pleasing thighs: reciprocity in Greek Religion’ in C. Gill, N. Postlethwaite and R. Seaford ed. Reciprocity in Ancient Greece 1998.105-25 &1

Price “Delphi and Divination” in Greek Religion and Society Easterling P and Muir J V (eds.) 1985 p.128-154 &3

Pulleyn Prayer in Greek Religion 1997 @

Rosivach The System of Public Sacrifice in 4th century Athens 1994 &2

Scott Delphi and Olympia: the spatial politics of panhellenism in the archaic and classical periods 2010 &3

Scott ‘Displaying lists of what is (not) on display: the uses of inventories in Greek sanctuaries’ in M. Haysom and J. Wallenstein Current approaches to religion in ancient Greece 2011.239-52 &2

Spawforth The Complete Greek Temples 2006 &5

T. Van Straten ‘Gifts to the gods’ in H. Versnel ed. Faith, Hope and Worship 1981.65-151 &1

T. Van Straten ‘Votives and votaries in Greek Sanctuaries’ in A. Schachter ed. Le sanctuaire Grec 1992.247-84 &1

How did the concept of miasma affect Greek ritual practice?

Bendlin ‘Purity and Pollution’ in D. Ogden (ed.) Blackwell Companion to Greek Religion 2007 (178-189) @

Burkert Greek Religion 1985 @

Garland The Greek Way of Life 1990 &3

Garland The Greek Way of Death 1985 &2

Dowden Death and a Maiden 1989 @

Hamilton Choes and Anthesteria. Athenian iconography and ritual. 1992 &3

King ‘Bound to bleed: Artemis and Greek Women’ in A. Cameron and A. Kurht (eds). Images of Women in Antiquity 1993.109-27 @

C. Kurtz and J Boardman Greek Burial Customs 1971 &3

Larson Understanding Greek Religion: A Cognitive Approach 2016 (187-249) @

I Morris ‘Attitudes towards Death in archaic Greece’ Classical Antiquity (8) 1989.296-320 @

I Morris Death-Ritual and Social structure in Classical Antiquity 1992 @

Parker Miasma. Pollution and Purification in early Greek Religion 1983 &2

Sourvinou-Inwood ‘Reading’ Greek death to the end of the Classical Period 1995 &1

Vidal Naquet The Black Hunter: Forms of Thought and Forms of Society in the Greek World 1986 &3

Greek festivals were foremost religious in character rather than political or cultural. Discuss.

Alcock and R. Osborne (eds). Placing the Gods, Sanctuaries and Sacred Space in Ancient Greece 1994.199-216 @

B. Cavanaugh Eleusis and Athens: documents in finance, religion and politics in the 5th century BC 1996 &3

B. Cosmopoulos Greek Mysteries: the Archaeology of Ancient Greek Secret Cults. 2002 @

Eidinow Ancient Greek Religion: 'Embedded . . . and Embodied' in K. Vlassopoulos and C. Taylor (eds.) Communities and Networks in the Ancient Greek World 2015. 54-79 @

Hägg (ed.) The Role of Religion in the Early Greek Polis 1996 &1

Neils (ed.) Goddess and Polis: the Panathenaic festival in ancient Athens. 1992 &1

Scullion, '‘Nothing to do with Dionysus’: tragedy misconceived as ritual." The Classical Quarterly 2002, 52, 102-137 @

Winkler and F. Zeitlin eds. Nothing to Do With Dionysos? 1992 [see especially the Introduction and the essay by Goldhill; this is a highly influential but also a very controversial volume: use with care] &5

To what extent was Greek religion 'public and communal rather than private and individual' (Bremmer 1994, 1)?

Eidinow Ancient Greek Religion: 'Embedded . . . and Embodied' in K. Vlassopoulos and C. Taylor eds. Communities and Networks in the Ancient Greek World 2015. 54-79 @

Kindt Rethinking Greek Religion 2012 [see especially the introduction and chapter 1] @

See the important essays by Sourvinou-Inwood reprinted in R. Buxton (ed.) Oxford Readings in Greek Religion 2000 &4

6. ‘Man is a religious animal’ (Mark Twain). Discuss, using a Cognitive approach, how Greek religion agrees with this statement.

Boyer Religion explained: the evolutionary origins of religious thought 2001 @

Cresswell Culture and the cognitive science of religion 2018 @

van Eyghen, R. Peels, G. van den Brink New developments in the cognitive science of religion : the rationality of religious belief 2018 @

Watts and L. Turner Evolution, religion and cognitive science: critical and constructive essays 2014 @

Cults and Rites in Ancient Greece: Essays on Religion and Society. (Edited by Allaire B. Stallsmith)

Ana isabel jiménez san cristóbal​ , universidad complutense de madrid. [email protected].

This volume assembles 13 articles on cults and rites in ancient Greece written by M. Jameson over a period of nearly fifty years. Widely known as an epigrapher, historian, and archaeologist, each of his articles included in this book has had a lasting impact on scholarship since the time of its publication. The author himself had collected the essays in this book when his untimely death in 2004 interrupted the preparation of the volume. The present collection results from the encouragement of his colleagues Paul Cartledge, Irene Polinskaya and Allaire B. Stallsmith, who celebrate the figure of their mentor and colleague in the preface. Jameson’s papers are divided into four parts: Gods and Heroes; Rites; Religion and Society; and The Study of Greek Religion. Such a framework offers a clear and sharp view of Jameson’s methodological and conceptual approach to the study of Greek religion. Each of the four parts is introduced by an essay by a leading international scholar: Fritz Graf, Christopher Faraone, Robert Parker, and Jan Bremmer. Their contributions honour Jameson with a detailed and insightful review of his papers that goes beyond the current selection of texts included in this book. Each of them highlights in a different way Jameson’s engagement with the subject of ancient Greek religion.

Paul Cartledge writes the General Introduction, which attempts a conspectus of Jameson’s published scholarship; it is interwoven with some personal observations and larger commentary. He tries to give a representative account of Jameson’s works by separating them into four topics: epigraphy, religion, intensive field-survey archaeology, and agriculture and slavery. A complete bibliography of Jameson is included at the end of this chapter.

The first part of the collection, dedicated to Gods and Heroes, is introduced by Graf, who affirms that Jameson naturally thought of Greek religion in the framework of local religion. Graf explains Jameson’s attitude towards Greek religion as that of an epigrapher who works in the first instance on local inscriptions and local cults. In the words of Graf, “Jameson’s essays remain models – for epigraphers in how to think about Greek religion, and for historians of Greek religion in how to use the documents of epigraphy” (p. 8). Indeed, two of the four papers in this first part have their point of departure from an inscription. The paper “Apollo Lykeios in Athens” edits and comments on an Athenian decree that establishes a tax that must be paid by the hoplites in the temenos of the god. Apollo Lykeios becomes the god of adult men in their military situation. “Perseus, the Hero of Mycenae” begins with two late inscriptions from Mycenae in order to analyze the local evidence of his cult. Perseus is tied to the Archaic polis’ institution of initiation into adulthood and citizenship. Without denying the influence of the Ancient Near East on the Perseus myth, he defends the idea that the local Peloponnesian rites of maturity were attached to the myth from the Near East, which in turn may have been influenced by Spartan rituals. The third paper of this section focuses on Echetlaeus, the hero of Marathon, who is linked with the sacred rite of plowing. Taking his starting point from a detail of a painting in Athens’ Stoa Poikile, Jameson presents a linguistic analysis of the hero and concludes that the name and the hero must be connected with the plow- handle, an object with ritual associations. The fourth paper, “The Asexuality of Dionysus,” tackles the paradox that the god most closely associated with the phallus has a feminine side, lacks sexual interest in women and is usually represented as “detached and unconcerned with sex.” Jameson explains these characteristics through Dionysus’ role as mediator between male and female. This explanation is hardly satisfactory for Bremmer (p. 296), who concedes, however, that Jameson’s paper appeared just before the publication of several Macedonian inscriptions connecting Dionysus the “pseudo-male” with initiation.

“Rites” is the rubric of the second part, introduced by Faraone. In “Sophocles, Antigone 1005-1022: An Illustration,” Jameson links a scene described by Tiresias at the end of the Antigone with a vase-painting in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg, which shows an animal sacrifice performed on an altar. According to him, the scene represents the moment in which the officiant and other observers are taking the omens from the behaviour of the tail. In “Sacrifice before Battle,” Jameson gives a thorough discussion of the various kinds of pre-battle sacrifice through the myths and the images and metaphors of poetry. There were two basic types: the usual burnt sacrifice and the sacrifice performed at the battle line (σφάγια). The author contextualizes the different stages of the battle and the different types of sacrifices and also connects the historical battle sacrifice with the mythical human sacrifices of the Greeks. The article “Ritual of the Athena Nike Parapet” explains how detailed knowledge of Greek ritual is crucial to interpret the sculptures of the shrine’s friezes. A winged Nike in the act of killing a bull represents a battle-line σφάγια, whereas the Nike setting up war trophies symbolizes the end of the battle. In the last essay of the section, “Theoxenia,” Jameson examines the evidence for the offering of meals on tablets to gods and heroes in different areas of the Greek world. Combining epigraphic and iconographic data and small votive reliefs, he places the ritual within the system of Greek sacrifice, where division and reciprocity between human and divine is the major aim. One of the great merits of this essay, as well as “Sacrifice before Battle” and “Apollo Lykeios,” is the assemblage of exhaustive evidence for these rites, making these papers the starting point for any future work on these topics.

The heading of the third section is “Religion and Society”; the section is introduced by Parker. “Labda, Lambda, and Labdakos” connects the names of Labda and Labdakos with the archaic Corinthian form of the lambda. This hypothesis presupposes that the stories of Labda and Labdakos postdate the adoption in Greece of the Phoenician alphabet. This article, together with the earlier article on Perseus, tackles mythical themes, a minority in Jameson’s bibliography. Nevertheless, although Jameson does not focus on a mythical subject, his essays show clearly the complicated relationship between myth and cults. “Sacrifice and Animal Husbandry” maintains that the sacrificial calendar of rural Attica was determined by the seasonal availability and habits of different animals, by the annual increase of young and the culling of the older ones. Jameson’s deep knowledge of the ancient agricultural world is clearly seen in this paper. Also remarkable is the analysis of the evidence from excavated bones for the selection of animals for sacrifice. “Religion in the Athenian Democracy” notes that, contrary to the traditional view, management of cults by aristocratic gene emerged for the first time under the democracy. However, it is the polis that is the provider of sacrificial meat on a large scale. Jameson minimizes the crisis in late fifth century religion, which was supposedly due to the emergence of foreign and mystic cults and the skepticism of intellectuals. “The Spectacular and the Obscure in Athenian Religion” tackles how the demos of the city organized, adapted, and preserved the sacred space and time of the city as a whole. Jameson analyses the nature of public sacrificial ritual as performance, as well as other types of sacrifice that did not require an audience, such as purification rites, animal sacrifice for obtaining favorable signs, and the many small-scale sacrifices conducted by individuals.

The fourth and last section of the book, entitled “The Study of Greek Religion,” is introduced by an essay by Bremmer. With “Sacred Space and the City: Greece and Bhaktapur,” Jameson responds to Robert Levy’s comparison between this medieval small city in Nepal and the archaic Greek polis. Jameson deals with the subject of symbolic space and stresses the absence of a separation between town and country, unlike Asian cities. The lack of information about the creation of sacred space in Greek cities may be due to the absence of a clergy made up of religious experts.

The volume closes with an exhaustive bibliography covering all the essays and an index of names and topics.

This collection of papers illustrates clearly Jameson’s approach to Greek religion: his most important contributions are several articles in the field of sacrifice and the nature of Greek religion. Throughout the pages of this volume, he appears as an expert aware that one needs to master several distinct approaches in order to write a properly interconnected account of complex phenomena. Jameson emerges as a scholar of both literary and epigraphic texts, who combines them with iconographic evidence as necessary, to deal with the study of Greek religion. He reveals himself not as a theorist of Greek religion but as a scholar interested in the social and political contexts and consequences of the rituals he analyzes. His studies of local rituals connected with gods and heroes explain local beliefs but also contribute to the panhellenic image of these figures. The main merit of the volume lies in posing a wide range of questions and responding to them with judicious answers.

How did Ancient Greek religion work?

Religion played an important part in the lives of the ancient Greeks. They believed that there were many gods that controlled the natural world, as well as influencing the actions of human beings.

When the Greeks made statues of their deities, they depicted them very much like normal human beings.

The Greeks even believed that the day-to-day lives of the gods were much like regular humans, except for the fact that the gods had fantastical powers. 

In the most popular religious book from ancient Greece,  The Iliad , the gods personally interacted with regular people.

The gods had the same emotions as well, and were jealous, angry, selfish and could fall in love.

Many of the gods were believed to live at a real location in ancient Greece: Mount Olympus in northern Greece.

As a result, the main Greek gods were known as the 'Olympians'. The king of the Greek gods was called Zeus, and he was considered to have control over the sky, storm and lightning.

Greek temples

The central religious structures in the Greek religion were temples. They are not like today's churches: regular people were usually not allowed to go in to worship the gods.

Instead, the temples were considered to be the personal houses of the gods, where they lived. Only the priests were allowed regular access to the gods.

Typically, the more important a particular god was to a city-state, the more impressive their temple was.

For example, Athena was the patron goddess of Athens , so she had the largest and most expensive temple, built on the highest mountain in the city.

If a person wanted help from the gods, they usually went to the outside of the temple to pray and offer a gift to the god in the hopes of their prayer being heard.

On some occasions, everyone in a city would get together for a major religious ceremony.

It was typical that animals would be sacrificed at these events and the meat may be cooked and shared with the worshippers. 

The demi-gods

Gods were not the only super-powered people in Greek religion. The Greeks believed in a second category of beings called the 'demi-gods' or 'heroes'.

Someone was a demi-god if one of their parents was a god who had fallen in love with a regular human being, and they had a child together.

A demi-god would have some of the powers of their divine parent, but also had some of the weaknesses of their human parent.

Their powers, however, would allow them to do great and mighty deeds, which is why they are also called the 'heroes'.

Some of the most famous Greek heroes were Heracles, who had super strength, and Achilles , who was unkillable in battle.

The afterlife

The ancient Greeks believed that people still lived on after their death. They believed that there was a region underground called the Hades, which was ruled by a god, also called Hades.

Hades was thought to be a physical place that you could theoretically travel to while you were alive.

However, it was separated from the natural world by the River Styx, which could only be crossed once you had died.

A special boatman called Charon was tasked with transporting the souls across the river in return for a small payment. 

This is why Greeks had the ritual of placing coins with the dead body at funerals.

Once in Hades, a dead person had to face a judgment to see in which part of Hades they would spend eternity.

If the person had done good things in life, they would go to a paradise known as the Elysian Fields.

However, if they had been wicked in life, they went to Tartarus, where they would be cruelly punished forever. 

What do you need help with?

Download ready-to-use digital learning resources.

Copyright © History Skills 2014-2024.

Contact  via email

Greek Mythology, Religion, Philosophy, and History Essay

In the history of the World, no other society has had such a rich mix of religion, mythology, philosophy, and history as the ancient Greeks. Some experts claim that the genesis of this intermingling lay in the overtly polytheistic nature of ancient Greek religion which worshipped a pantheon of gods. The Mediterranean region with its diverse seafaring traditions was a birthplace for the intermingling of cultures. Polytheism led to the Greeks adopting a remarkable tolerant attitude towards the viewpoints and beliefs of others.

Over a period of time, such broad attitudes became fertile ground for the exercise of human imagination leading to the birth of great epics steeped in legend, mixed with actual historical facts, and the dawn of modern philosophical thought. The operative utility of this tradition of philosophy gave rise to the Greek city-states, the first form of a democratic society. According to Knierim, “The ancient Greeks viewed the world in a way that one would today perhaps describe as ‘holistic’. Science, philosophy and politics were interwoven and combined into one worldview” (1). This essay attempts to describe the ancient Greek period from 2700 B.C to the 4th century B.C with a view to explain the interrelation between Greek religion, mythology, philosophy, and history.

Greek religion can be classified into four main periods. During the period 2700-1100 B.C, the religion of the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures was practiced in the region of Crete and the Aegean Basin. This religion was predominantly based on female deities. Other figures of animals with human heads suggested that some form of animism was also prevalent. The ancient religious stories of the Minoans and the Mycenaean were transmitted orally to the other parts of the Mediterranean region which later fused with the Greek traditions and religious practices.

As the Greek societies evolved, so did their religion, and the next period 1100-750 B.C is referred to as the ‘Heroic Age’ made famous by Homer and Hesiod. It was during this period that the pantheon of Greek gods attained their fame and acceptance by the Greeks. The third period witnessed a move away from polytheism to the era of rational thinking and skepticism also known as the ‘Golden Age of Athens, spanning from the 6 th century to 4 th century B.C. The final period, Greco-Roman ranged from 2 nd century B.C to 2 nd century A.D which basically led to the export of Greek philosophical thought the world over.

The effect of Greek mythology on religion and history is so entwined that often it becomes difficult to distinguish the two. The Greek pantheon of Gods presided over by Zeus, made famous by Hesiod and Homer became the focal point of Greek religion. Not only were mythological stories attributed to the Olympiad Gods, but they also became the basis for regulating Greek society too. Lloyd-Jones ( 2006) states that “ The early poet Hesiod explains that “Zeus gave to kings the them es, the principles of justice by which they ruled”(460). The mythologies encouraged the practice of sacrifice to the various gods to achieve defined ends. “Greek armies always made a divinatory sacrifice before going into battle, and the general took the omens after a sacrifice before deciding to go into action”. (Lloyd-Jones,2006, p.461).

The establishment of the Oracle of Delphi in honor of the Greek God Apollo took a political hue when every ruler far and wide consulted the Oracle to determine the course of action for conquest, administration of the state, and a host of other decisions. So popular was its usage that not only did the Greeks use the Oracle, but also other non-Greek kingdoms.

In Greek society, myth and history too were inexorably intertwined. A typical example is exemplified by the Trojan War, which according to many historians and archaeologists, was a real historical event. But the myth surrounding the idea of building the Trojan horse is attributed to the divine intervention of the Greek Goddess Pallas-Athene (Minerva). According to Berens, “She also taught the Greeks how to build the wooden horse by means of which the destruction of Troy was effected”(43).

Homer’s epics Iliad and Odyssey served as a rallying point for the Greek society. The Gods and Goddesses as described by Homer were revered by the Greeks and “these works came to serve as both epic and bible, providing a vivid ideal of manly prowess set in a framework of religious belief” (Time-Life Book, 1988, 53). The Olympic Games founded in 776 BC were dedicated to the God Zeus. The Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C between the Greeks and the Persians was a true historical event.

However, the so-called feat of a messenger running the entire 42 km from the war front to Athens is a legend that has no historical proof but nevertheless is entwined in popular culture leading to the institution of the famous marathon runner in the Olympic Games.

The Greek Philosophers had an undeniably relevant role in the development of Greek History. Solon who was elected as the archon of Athens in 594 B.C laid the framework of a democratic society. Socrates propounded the ‘test of reason’ as a philosophy of rationalism. “Instead of building on the myopic ideas of mythology, he began a rational inquiry into the riddles that nature presents. This inquiry is based on reflection and reason alone, and it may be his greatest achievement” (Knierim, 4).

Reasoning, rationalism, and critical thinking were the natural evolution of a polytheistic creed steeped in intolerance and intellectual inquiry into the nature of things. This tradition of reasoning finally led to the denouncement of the numerous Greek Gods by the Greek philosophers. By the end of the fifth century B.C, Greek philosophy became more scientific in its outlook. “ Plato denounced the immorality of the gods as portrayed by Homer and the other poets”( Lloyd-Jones, 2006 p.463).

Aristotle moderated the harsh critique of Gods propounded by Plato and his brand of ethics was more accommodative to traditional Greek religion. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that Aristotelian logic still finds popular support in these modern times. Despite the onslaught of rationalism and reasoning, traditional Greek gods continued to be worshipped and were supplemented in the Greco-Roman period by Roman Gods. The cults survived for eight centuries after Plato till the 4 th century A.D when the Christian emperor Theodosius banned and persecuted the followers of polytheism leading to their decline.

In conclusion, it can be said that the unique blend of mythology, religion, philosophy, and history in the Greek traditions survived for over a thousand years because of the syncretistic nature of the Greek thought, based on polytheistic processes which yielded an unusual degree of tolerance not to be seen in the later monotheistic creed of Christianity and Islam.

Some historians claim that this ability to assimilate differing thought came not only because of the genius of the Greek people but also because of the influence of Eastern thought which came by through the extensive trade links that Greece had with the East. The rich blend of myth, religion, philosophy and its effect on the history of the western world gave the grounding for the development of modern western philosophical thought of rationalism and reasoning. It also laid foundations for a political system that was soon to dominate the modern world – Democracy.

Works Cited

Berens, E.M. “Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome”. Project Gutenberg. 2007. Web.

Gillian, Moore and Editors of Time-Life Books. 1988. “ A Soaring Spirit”. A volume of Time-Life Series History of the World. Time-Life Books inc. Time Warner Inc. USA.

Knierim, Thomas. “Pre-Socratic Greek Philosophy”. 2008. Web.

Llyod-Jones, Hugh. 2001. “Ancient Greek Religion”. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society vol. 145, no. 4. Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, September 29). Greek Mythology, Religion, Philosophy, and History. https://ivypanda.com/essays/greek-mythology-religion-philosophy-and-history/

"Greek Mythology, Religion, Philosophy, and History." IvyPanda , 29 Sept. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/greek-mythology-religion-philosophy-and-history/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Greek Mythology, Religion, Philosophy, and History'. 29 September.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Greek Mythology, Religion, Philosophy, and History." September 29, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/greek-mythology-religion-philosophy-and-history/.

1. IvyPanda . "Greek Mythology, Religion, Philosophy, and History." September 29, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/greek-mythology-religion-philosophy-and-history/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Greek Mythology, Religion, Philosophy, and History." September 29, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/greek-mythology-religion-philosophy-and-history/.

• Polytheism, Monotheism, and Humanism
• Polytheism of Ancient Greek and Babylonians Compared
• Hesiod's Views on Art and Poetry
• Zeus’s Literary Journey Through Mythology
• Important Virtues in Human Life: Plato’s Protagoras and Hesiod’s Works and Days
• Zeus’ Mythology
• Pantheon and Parthenon Historical Monuments
• The Architectural Significance of Pantheon Dome
• The Pantheon of Rome and the Parthenon of Athens
• The Parthenon and the Pantheon in Their Cultural Context
• Mayan Architecture, Its Meaning and Creators
• Sumer and Akkadian Cities, Towns and Villages, 3,500 - 2,000 BC
• Western Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome,Greece
• The Culture of Ancient Egypt
• Ubaid and Uruk: Emergence of Mesopotamian Cities

Home — Essay Samples — History — Rebellion — The Profound Impact of Religion on Ancient Civilizations

The Profound Impact of Religion on Ancient Civilizations

• Categories: Rebellion

About this sample

Words: 696 |

Published: Mar 8, 2024

Words: 696 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Historical significance of religion in ancient civilizations, religious architecture and rituals, religion in art and politics.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: History

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 799 words

1 pages / 642 words

7 pages / 3152 words

3 pages / 1384 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Rebellion

The Nat Turner Rebellion, also known as the Southampton Insurrection, was a significant event in American history that occurred in Southampton County, Virginia in 1831. Nat Turner, a slave and self-proclaimed preacher, led a [...]

Prometheus has been a powerful symbol of rebellion and human progress. In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who defied the gods and gave fire to humanity, an act that led to his eternal punishment by Zeus. This ancient [...]

In the annals of American history, there are certain events and individuals that shine a light on the complexities of the human condition and the struggle for freedom. One such event is the rebellion led by Nat Turner in [...]

In the world of literature, the two-bit switchblade is a symbol that has been used in various works to represent different themes and ideas. From rebellion and defiance to power and control, the switchblade has been depicted in [...]

In 1676, Bacon's Rebellion erupted in the Virginia colony, causing widespread social, political, and economic upheaval. As a pivotal event in American history, the consequences of this rebellion reverberated far beyond the [...]

The Playboy of the Western World is a story about conformity and rebellion towards the law. In the play, Shawn Keogh is the ultra-conservative figure who bows towards the law with deference and meekness. At the other extreme, [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

100 Ancient Greece Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Ancient Greece is widely regarded as one of the cradles of Western civilization, with its rich history, culture, and contributions to various fields such as philosophy, literature, art, and politics. Studying Ancient Greece provides a fascinating insight into the roots of our modern society. If you're looking for essay topics on this captivating subject, here are 100 Ancient Greece essay ideas and examples to inspire you:

• The impact of Ancient Greek philosophy on modern thought
• The significance of the city-state in Ancient Greece
• The role of women in Ancient Greek society
• The evolution of democracy in Ancient Greece
• The influence of Ancient Greek mythology on contemporary culture
• Comparing and contrasting Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations
• The contributions of Ancient Greek mathematicians
• The importance of the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
• The role of Greek mythology in Ancient Greek religion
• The influence of Ancient Greek language on modern linguistic developments
• The rise and fall of Ancient Greek city-states
• The impact of Ancient Greek theater on drama and performance today
• The portrayal of gods and goddesses in Ancient Greek art
• The role of slavery in Ancient Greek society
• The significance of the Parthenon in Ancient Greek architecture
• The contributions of Ancient Greek physicians to medicine
• The role of education in Ancient Greece
• Exploring the concept of heroism in Ancient Greek literature
• The significance of the Battle of Marathon in Ancient Greek history
• The legacy of Alexander the Great in Ancient Greece and beyond
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek poetry
• The impact of Ancient Greek trade and colonization on the Mediterranean region
• The social structure of Ancient Greek society
• The portrayal of women in Ancient Greek literature
• The influence of Ancient Greek drama on modern theater
• The significance of the Delphic Oracle in Ancient Greek religion
• The development of Greek democracy in Athens
• The contributions of Ancient Greek philosophers to ethical theories
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek sculpture
• The impact of Ancient Greek warfare on military strategies
• The role of religion in Ancient Greek politics
• The concept of beauty in Ancient Greek art and culture
• The legacy of Ancient Greek mythology in literature and film
• The impact of Ancient Greek literature on Western literary traditions
• The significance of the Trojan War in Ancient Greek mythology
• The role of women in Ancient Greek politics
• The contributions of Ancient Greek architects to urban planning
• The portrayal of love and desire in Ancient Greek poetry
• The influence of Ancient Greek philosophy on Renaissance thinkers
• The role of religion in Ancient Greek daily life
• The impact of Ancient Greek pottery on visual arts
• The significance of the Oracle at Delphi in Ancient Greek society
• The contributions of Ancient Greek astronomers to our understanding of the cosmos
• The portrayal of gods and goddesses in Ancient Greek literature
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek music
• The impact of Ancient Greek colonization on cultural diffusion
• The legacy of Ancient Greek democracy in modern politics
• The significance of the Battle of Thermopylae in Ancient Greek history
• The role of religion in Ancient Greek art
• The contributions of Ancient Greek mathematicians to geometry
• The portrayal of women in Ancient Greek theater
• The influence of Ancient Greek philosophy on Enlightenment thinkers
• The significance of Ancient Greek temples in religious practices
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek dance
• The impact of Ancient Greek literature on storytelling techniques
• The significance of the Oracle at Dodona in Ancient Greek religion
• The contributions of Ancient Greek engineers to technological advancements
• The portrayal of gods and goddesses in Ancient Greek drama
• The impact of Ancient Greek religion on the concept of the afterlife
• The significance of Ancient Greek sculpture in representing the human form
• The contributions of Ancient Greek astronomers to our understanding of celestial bodies
• The portrayal of women in Ancient Greek mythology
• The influence of Ancient Greek philosophy on existentialist thinkers
• The significance of Ancient Greek festivals in religious celebrations
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek architecture
• The impact of Ancient Greek literature on the development of the novel
• The significance of the Oracle at Delos in Ancient Greek society
• The contributions of Ancient Greek mathematicians to algebra
• The portrayal of gods and goddesses in Ancient Greek poetry
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek visual arts
• The impact of Ancient Greek religion on moral values
• The significance of Ancient Greek pottery in everyday life
• The contributions of Ancient Greek physicians to medical ethics
• The portrayal of women in Ancient Greek sculpture
• The influence of Ancient Greek philosophy on postmodern thinkers
• The significance of Ancient Greek sanctuaries in religious rituals
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek literature for children
• The impact of Ancient Greek literature on the development of the short story
• The significance of the Oracle at Dodoni in Ancient Greek religion
• The contributions of Ancient Greek engineers to architectural innovation
• The portrayal of gods and goddesses in Ancient Greek music
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek dance performances
• The impact of Ancient Greek religion on burial practices
• The significance of Ancient Greek mosaics in visual arts
• The contributions of Ancient Greek astronomers to our understanding of the solar system
• The portrayal of women in Ancient Greek drama
• The influence of Ancient Greek philosophy on feminist thinkers
• The significance of Ancient Greek festivals in promoting social cohesion
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek frescoes
• The impact of Ancient Greek literature on oral storytelling traditions
• The significance of the Oracle at Delphi in Ancient Greek politics
• The contributions of Ancient Greek mathematicians to number theory
• The portrayal of gods and goddesses in Ancient Greek sculpture
• The role of mythology in Ancient Greek jewelry
• The impact of Ancient Greek religion on concepts of divinity
• The significance of Ancient Greek vases in trade and commerce
• The contributions of Ancient Greek physicians to public health
• The portrayal of women in Ancient Greek poetry
• The influence of Ancient Greek philosophy on political ideologies

These essay topics provide a wide range of ideas to explore the various aspects of Ancient Greece, allowing you to delve deeper into this fascinating civilization and its enduring influence on the world. Whether you choose to focus on philosophy, mythology, art, or any other aspect, Ancient Greece offers a plethora of captivating topics to research and discuss.

Want to create a presentation now?

Instantly Create A Deck

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Hassle Free

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2023 Pitchgrade