Zeus holding lightning bolt

Zeus

Zeus was the king of the gods. He ruled from his throne on Mount Olympus. He was the son of Cronos and Rhea, who were Titans. His two brothers were Hades and Poseidon, and his three sisters were Hera (who was also his wife), Demeter, and Hestia.

Zeus' Love Affairs

Zeus was married to Hera and had several children by him, including Hephaestus and Ares. But he was not faithful to Hera, and many other children by other goddesses and mortal women. Some of his children are listed below.

When he grew up, with the help of his brothers and sisters, Zeus began a war against the Titans and overthrew his father. He was now the lord of the universe, the most powerful of all gods.

There are many myths associated with Zeus.

Rain, thunder, clouds, lightning, and the sky

Guests

Law and Justice

Kings and power

Persephone 

Aphrodite

Athena

Hermes

Artemis

Dionysos

Heracles

Perseus

Apollo

The Muses

Zeus' symbols were:

Lightning bolt (see in his hand in picture, left)

Eagle

Throne

As king of the gods Zeus was worshipped a great deal. He had a temple in Athens, the Olympeion (left), but his main sanctuary was at Olympia (right).

This is where the Olympic games were held every four years, in his honour. You can see the race track at the back right of the photo.