Zeus

Zeus was the most powerful of all the Greek gods. He ruled the sky and could throw lightning bolts. He was the king of Mount Olympus, where the gods lived. The other gods respected and sometimes feared him.

Zeus and His Family

Zeus was the son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. His father Cronus swallowed his children because he feared they would overthrow him. Zeus escaped and later freed his brothers and sisters. He then became the ruler of the gods.

Powers and Symbols

Zeus could control the weather and throw lightning bolts. His symbols were the eagle and the oak tree. The ancient Greeks believed thunder meant Zeus was angry. They built a huge statue of Zeus at Olympia that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Fun Facts

• Zeus's lightning bolts were made by the Cyclopes, one-eyed giants.
• The planet Jupiter is named after the Roman version of Zeus.
• Zeus had a pet eagle that carried his lightning bolts.

Did You Know?

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was about 40 feet tall and covered in gold and ivory. It was so big that if Zeus stood up, his head would go through the roof!