Facts About Zeus

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Zeus is regarded as the supreme ruler of Mount Olympus in Greek mythology. As the supreme leader, he was in charge of law, justice, and morality which gave him the jurisdiction to be Father of gods and mortals. He is the god of the sky and thunder.

Fact 1. His father, Kronos, swallowed all his siblings; Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon before him, as he was scared that one of his children would usurp him. Zeus conquered him and made him regurgitate all his siblings.

Fact 2.   Upon the death of his father, Zeus took control and divided the universe with Zeus taking control of the heavens, Poseidon the sea, and Hades the underworld.

Fact 3.    His attributes were the lightning, sceptre, the eagle, and his aegis (the goatskin of Amaltheia).

Fact 4.  In Greece, there are many temples built in honor of Zeus. The most famous of his sanctuaries being Olympia, the magnificent “Temple of Zeus.”  It had a gold and ivory statue of an enthroned Zeus which was sculpted by Phidias and hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Fact 5.  In art, Zeus was portrayed as a bearded and middle-aged man with a youthful figure about to throw his lightningbolt. The most magnificent statue of Zeus is exhibited at the Athens National Archaeological Museum.

Fact 6.  Although Zeus was married to his sister Hera, he fathered many children. One of the most famous being Hercules.

Fact 7. The name ‘œZeus’ means ‘œsky’ or ‘œbright.’

Fact 8.  The Cretans believe that Zeus died and is resurrected annually. His tomb is on Mount Juchtas just outside of Heraklion. Viewing from the west, the mountain looks like a huge man lying on his back

Fact 9. The Olympic Games were a religious event dedicated to the glory of Zeus.

Fact 10. Zeus has connections to Indo-European influences, and it is postulated that the name ‘œZeus’ corresponds to the Hindu sky-god Dyaus. The word ‘œDyaus’ is derived from the word ‘œdyu,’ which means ‘œto shine.’

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