9.3 Ancient Greek Beliefs and Art

Greek Religion and Mythology Greek Mythology Myths the stories told of the gods and heroes Through these stories the Greeks expressed their beliefs Taught about human behavior or a moral lesson Which Greek stories do you that teach us lessons? The stories still teach us lessons today

Greek Religion and Mythology Many Gods and Goddesses The Greek gods and goddesses acted like human beings Why do you think that is? Greek Religion and Life Both private and public rituals Women were involved in some ceremonies Public meetings began with prayer Families had shrines Cities were dedicated to a particular deity

Greek Religion and Mythology Athletic Contests Some religious ceremonies included athletic competitions The athletes’ skill and strength was used to honor their gods The most famous of these - the Olympic games Honored Zeus Held every 4 years Became a festival with merchants from all over the Mediterranean Winners became famous

Greek Religion and Mythology Sacred Sites Springs, groves and other natural places were often considered sacred as the dwelling place of a god or goddess Mt. Olympus was the most sacred since the major gods lived there The Oracle of Delphi Priestess of Apollo at his temple An oracle is said to tell the future The answers were told in riddles so they could be interpreted in several ways

The Arts of Ancient Greece Painting Most painting has not survived Descriptions of ancient Greek painted claimed it was realistic With depth and perspective

The Arts of Ancient Greece Sculpture Early Greek sculpture was influenced by the Egyptians Over time Greeks developed their own style realistic Ideal images Huge statues of their gods were put in their temples

The Arts of Ancient Greece Architecture Greek architect tried to reach perfection Gave a sense of balance and harmony Parthenon is the finest Greek example Greek architecture was not just white marble, but very colorful in its day

Literature Literature was also a part of religious ceremonies Lyric Poetry Shorter poems were written after Homer Called lyric poems because they were accompanied by a lyre Wrote on may different subjects Athletes Politics War emotions

Literature Greek Drama Roots of modern theater Originally performed to honor the god Dionysus A chorus often commented on the characters’ actions Gave awards at festivals for best play Best actor Best chorus 2 types of drama Tragedy – ended badly Comedy – ended happily

Literature Aesop’s Fables A fable is a story that teaches a moral lesson According to legend Aesop was a slave – freed due to his learning Traveled, collecting and telling his tales Including The Boy Who Cried Wolf The Tortoise and the Hare