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Zeus (Greek and Roman Mythology)
The greatest of the gods in classical mythology was called Zeus by the Greeks and Jupiter, or Jove, by the Romans.
He was the father of gods and men, protector of kings, supporter of law and order, and avenger of broken oaths
and other offenses. He watched over the state and the family and over strangers and suppliants; his hand wielded
lightning and guided the stars; he gathered rain clouds; he ordained the changes of the seasons and regulated the
whole course of nature. Zeus, with the other gods on Mount Olympus, ruled over the affairs of mankind.
According to the ancient story, Zeus expelled his father, Cronus, and the older dynasties of the Titans. He withstood
the attacks of the giants and the conspiracies of the other gods. Zeus was then allotted the empire of heaven and
air; Hades (called Pluto by the Romans) was given that of the infernal regions; and Poseidon (Neptune),
that of the sea. The Earth was left under the joint power of the three.
The wife of Zeus was Hera (Juno), queen of the gods. Their union was regarded as the divine prototype of
all earthly marriage, even though Zeus was not always faithful to Hera. Some authorities explain his indiscretions
by saying that many adventures of the other gods were ascribed to Zeus. (See also Mythology.)
One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was said to have been a statue of Zeus by Phidias in the great temple
of Zeus at Olympia. The figure stood about 40 feet (12 meters) high and was made of ivory and gold in about
430 BC. The design is known from its image stamped on certain Greek coins. (See also Greek
and Roman Art; Seven Wonders of the World.)
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