1. CHAPTER 11 LESSON 2
Greeks were polytheistic. Believed that gods had both divine and human qualities. Believed that the gods would “mess” in human’s lives. Gods would show anger, jealousy, love etc.
Zeus ruler of the gods. 12 main gods lived on Mt. Olympus (highest mtn in Greece) Each city had a patron god they worshiped

2. Greeks myths explained natural events (Prometheus brought fire) and how the gods related to one another & to humans. Atalanta (runner) Arachne (spider) Achilles (heel)
The Greeks honored their gods with holy days and festivals. Believed gods could cause them trouble, it was important. Most festivals honored the 12 main gods.

3. Olympics most famous festival to honor gods
Olympics most famous festival to honor gods. Held every 4 years in Olympia to honor Zeus. Included all outdoor events (track & field) that were valuable to soldiers
Greeks told stories about their heros also. Mainly through oral tradition most famous are epic poems of Homer
Iliad tells the story of the Trojan and the heroes such as Achilles. Laste for ten yrs, ended w/famous trojan horse

4. Odyssey tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan war. Should have taken a couple of weeks but took ten yrs b/c of the god’s interference.
A fable is a short story often involving animals that teaches a moral lesson. Aesop is credited with many fables including the Hare and the Tortoise, Sour Grapes, The Boy Who Cried Wolf