Beliefs of the Ancient Greeks

Gods

• Ancient Greeks believed in hundreds of deities, which had human physical and psychological characteristics and lived on Mount Olympus. In this context, priests did not constitute a clergy; their main duty was to organize the rituals in the temples. In ancient Greece, those denying the existence of a god were severely punished. Zeus was the supreme god who ruled and protected gods and mortals alike. Ancient Greeks believed that Zeus was the sender of lightning, thunder, rain and wind. His weapon was the thunderbolt.
  
  

Sacrifices

• Sacrifice of animals was a normal practice in the temples of ancient Greece. It generally occurred at dawn in an altar at the eastern side of the temple. Gods had their preferences, regarding the animal chosen: cows to Hera, pigs to Demeter, dogs to Hecate, horses to Poseidon. After the animals were killed, part of the animal was burned in the god's honor; the other portion was shared between priests and worshippers. Victims had to be perfect to avoid offense to the deity. Human sacrifice could sometimes happen, although it was rare. Sacrifices were often performed before battles as a way of asking for the protection of the deities.
  
  

Prayers

• When praying to a deity, Greeks stood with their arms raised and palms turned upward. Temples were the place for praying, but ancient Greeks also prayed at home. Prayers involve compliments to the deity, followed by a special plea, often using poetic language. Processions were a form of collective prayer, often performed at dawn. Ancient Greeks also believed that prayers could reach the dead and help them in the afterlife.
  
  

Temples

• Before the construction of marble temples at about the seventh century B.C., people worshiped the deities in groves, caves or mountaintops. With the construction of big temples, which were the dwelling place of the gods, their image was placed in the central chamber, called a cella. Although there were no rituals for the image in the temple, it could be taken out in a parade during religious festivals. Although not often, gods could share the same temple, which also were place for sacrifices in their honor.