OLYMPUSTHE GRECO-ROMAN COLLECTIONS OF BERLIN

Pre-Visit Kit

G O D S A N D G O D D E S S E S O F A N C I E N T G R E E C E A N D R O M EReligion was a very important part of life in ancient Greece. The gods and goddesses of ancient Greek

mythology were depicted frequently in Greek art. Ancient Greeks could recognize the different gods and

goddesses by the attributes, objects, or symbols that were associated with each one.

Although there were hundreds of gods, goddesses, demi-gods, and heroes in Greek mythology, there were

12 major deities who were called the Olympian gods. Which 12 gods were included varied according to date,

sources, and tradition. It is also important to note that the names and attributes of each god varied slightly

depending on the region, however, these variations were accepted as part of the god.

The Roman interest in Greek culture led to the assimilation of the Greek pantheon into Roman culture.

The Roman names for each god are listed here in parenthesis.

ZEUS (JUPITER)King of the Gods

Symbols: thunderbolt, eagle, oak tree

Zeus is the god of the skies and earth and he is the ruler of the Olympian gods. The Greeks believed that he was the god of all natural phenomena in the sky and the personification of nature. He used his shield, the Aegis, to create storms, and his thunderbolt to punish those who displeased or defied him. He is Hera’s husband and the father of Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Hephaestos, Persephone, Ares, Athena, and Dionysos, among others.

POSEIDON (NEPTUNE)God of the Sea

Symbols: Sea, trident, horse, dolphin

Brother of Demeter, Zeus, and Hades, Poseidon is the god of the sea. He is considered Olympian even though he lives in his palace, Aegae, under the sea. He is known for his bad temper and was greatly feared for his ability to cause earthquakes and make fresh water gush from the earth.

DEMETER (CERES)Goddess of the Harvest

Symbols: Sheaf of wheat

Sister of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, and goddess of agriculture, Demeter controlled the seasons and fertility of the land. Her moods are linked to famines, the growth of crops, and the seasons.

OLYMPUSTHE GRECO-ROMAN COLLECTIONS OF BERLIN

Pre-Visit Kit

G O D S A N D G O D D E S S E S O F A N C I E N T G R E E C E A N D R O M E

HERA (JUNO)Queen of the Gods

Symbols: peacock, cow, wedding ring, crown/diadem

Hera is the goddess of marriage and women, and she is also the queen of the gods. Her marriage with Zeus was troubled and most of the myths regarding her involve her plans of revenge and outwitting Zeus. She is the mother of Ares and Hephaestos.

HEPHAESTOS (VULCAN)God of Fire and Craftsmanship

Symbols: hammer, tongs

Hephaestos was married to Aphrodite and thrown out of Mount Olympus by his mother Hera, due to his unsightly appearance. Working underground in volcanoes, he made metal into armour for heroes like Achilles and Hercules.

APHRODITE (VENUS)Goddess of Love and Beauty

Symbols: Dove, swan, scallop shell

Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty. She is considered the most powerful goddess as she was able to bend the will of both men and gods. She was the wife of Hephaestos, but was in love with Ares. In some myths she is also considered the mother of Eros.

ARTEMIS (DIANA)Goddess of the Hunt and Nature

Symbols: Moon, deer, silver bow and arrows

Artemis is the goddess of hunting, the crescent moon, and wilderness. She is often portrayed with a quiver and wears a short tunic so that she can run fast. She is able to send plagues upon mortals, but she can also heal. She is the twin sister of the god Apollo.

ASCLEPIOS (AESCULAPIOS)God of MedicineSymbols: rod with snake

Asclepios is the son of Apollo and the god of medicine. His attribute, a rod with a snake entwined around it, continues to be a symbol for medicine today. Zeus was annoyed with how much healing that Asclepios was doing so he struck him with a thunderbolt.

APOLLO (APOLLO)God of Light and Music

Symbols: sun, lyre, bow, Laurel tree

Apollo is the god of music, archery, and prophecy. He also drives the chariot of the sun. He is a vengeful god and unpredictable. Apollo is Artemis’ twin.

OLYMPUSTHE GRECO-ROMAN COLLECTIONS OF BERLIN

Pre-Visit Kit

G O D S A N D G O D D E S S E S O F A N C I E N T G R E E C E A N D R O M E

HERMES (MERCURY)Messenger of the Gods

Symbols: Caduceus, winged sandals

Hermes is the son of Zeus and the god of travel and business. He was the messenger of the gods and guided the souls of the dead to the underworld. His appearance changed over time. Originally he is shown as a nude youth, but is later depicted as a bearded mad in a traveller’s tunic.

ATHENA (MINERVA)Goddess of Wisdom and War

Symbols: owl, olives, armour

Athena is the goddess of war and wisdom. Although she was fierce in battle, she only participated in wars to defend the city or state. She is the daughter of Zeus and his favourite child. She was even allowed to use his weapons, including his thunderbolt.

DIONYSOS (BACCHUS)God of Wine and Theatre

Symbols: grape vines and drinking cup

Dionysos is the god of festivity, wine, and theatre. He is depicted as a longhaired youth or older bearded man, and is often accompanied by satyrs and maenads. He is the son of Zeus.

All works are from the Antikensammlung der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin, photographer Johannes Laurentius, unless otherwise noted. first page, left to right: Zeus, 2nd century AD; Head of a male deity (Zeus?) (detail), 70–100 AD; Demeter (detail), c. mid-2nd century AD; second page: Hera (detail), 1st century AD; Vulcan (detail), Terrazza meridionale, c. 27 BC–14 AD. Photographer Neil Harrison; Aphrodite (detail), c. 150 AD; Artemis (detail), 125–150 AD; Statue of a standing clothed man (Asclepios?) (detail), c. 150 AD; Apollo (detail), 100–125 AD; third page: Hermes (detail), mid-2nd century AD; Athena (detail), 2nd century AD; Dionysos (detail), mid-to-late 1st century BC.

Illustrations © Doowah Design Inc. 2015