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Polytheism: The Role Of The Gods In Ancient Greek Religion

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Polytheism: The Role Of The Gods In Ancient Greek Religion
According to Mark Cartwright of the Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient Greek religion is, “personal, direct, and present in all areas of life.” (Cartwright 1). The Ancient Greeks practiced polytheism—meaning they worship more than one god. In fact they worshiped over hundreds of gods. Of those gods there are the main 12, known as the “Twelve Olympians.” They are Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Athena, Aphrodite, Demeter, Hephaestus, Hermes, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Dionysius. Each of these gods are the gods in mind during the sacrificial offering of food during their feasts. These are also the gods the Greeks believe they must please most because of their importance to their life. Zeus controls the weather, Poseidon the seas, Hades the underworld,
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