Religion was important to the Ancient Greeks because they would believe
that it would make their lives better while they were living.They also
believed the gods would take care of them when they died.
The Ancient Greeks were polythestics they believed
in many different gods and goddesses.The Greeks believed that these gods
and goddess controlled everything,from the waves in the ocean to the
winner of the race.Each god or goddess controlled one or two major aspect
of life.Greeks built temples in every town for one god or goddess.Temples
were large and beautiful buildings where Greeks went to pray or sacrifice
animals.The sacrificed animals were considered gifts to the gods.Greeks
were especially likely to sacrifice animals at festivals in honor of the
gods.The festivals included plays,music,dancing,and then a parade to the
temple where they made their sacrifices and had a feast.One temple(below)
still standing today is the Parthenon,built in honor of Athena,who was
the goddess of wisdom in war.
The Greeks believed that all of the gods
and goddesses lived at the top of Mount Olympus.Zeus was the supreme leader
of the gods,Hermes was the messenger of the gods,and Poseidon was the god
of the sea.Later,then Romans also worshiped these gods and goddeses but
gave them names.
Yes,as a matter of fact,there were places were they
go to pray.These holy sites were known as oracles.Here the Greeks and the
priest of the temple would pray to the gods and ask a question about their
futures.They believed the gods answering their questions using a sign in
nature.For example,at the Oracle of Zeus at Dodona,you would write your
question on a slab of lead then give it to the priest,who listened to the
rustling leaves of sacred oak trees to tell you the god's answer.