1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History

Zeus

By N.S. Gill, About.com

Zeus

Definition: Zeus was the top Olympian god in the Greek pantheon. After he took credit for rescuing his brothers and sisters from their father Cronus, Zeus became king of heaven and gave his brothers Poseidon and Hades the sea and the underworld for their domains.

Zeus was the husband of Hera, but he had many affairs with other goddesses, mortal women, and female animals. Zeus mated with, among others, Aegina, Alcmena, Calliope, Cassiopea, Demeter, Dione, Europa, Io, Leda, Leto, Mnemosyne, Niobe, and Semele.

In the Roman pantheon, Zeus is known as Jupiter.

Gods and Goddesses Index

Pronunciation: zoos
Examples: Zeus made his father regurgitate his brothers and sisters; then Zeus took over as king of the Olympian gods and goddesses.

Explore Ancient / Classical History

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History
  4. Myth / Beliefs
  5. Gods and Goddesses
  6. A-Z Index
  7. Z Gods and Goddesses
  8. Zeus
  9. Zeus - Greek God Zeus

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.