3. Symbols representing Zeus….
• Eagle – an eagle represents the sky,
dominance and prestige. Zeus was the god
over the heavens
• Bull – the bull symbolized Zeus’s strength
• Thunderbolt – he received it in return for
freeing the Cyclopes.
• Oak tree – symbolizes Zeus’s strength.
5. Zeus of Artemision
• Bronze, circa 460 - 450 B.C.
2.09 m (6' 10.5") high,
2.10 m (6' 10.75") fingertip to fingertip.
Found in the sea near cape Artemisio
• The sculpture was discovered in 1926
but it’s unknown who sculpted it or who
it actually is. They think it might be
Zeus because the person in the
sculpture is in the motion or throwing a
lightning bolt.
6. ZEUS & GANYMEDES
• Ware: Attic Red Figure
Shape: Krater, calyx
• Painter: Attributed to the Eucharides Painter
Date: ca 490 - 480 BC
Period: Late Archaic / Early Classical
• On this side of the calyx krater, Ganymedes
serves Zeus ambrosia on Olympos. He is
enthroned with an eagle seated on his royal
staff (one of his symbols).
7. Zeus at Olympia
• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was made by
the Greek sculptor Phidias, circa 432 BC on the
site where it was erected in the Temple of
Zeus, Olympia, Greece. It was one of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• 12 meters (43 feet) tall, occupied half of the
width of the aisle of the temple built to house
it
8. The story of Zeus and Cronus:
• Cronus became father of the gods by murdering his father, Uranus.
The dying Uranus gave Cronus the prophecy, “You murder me now
and steal my throne—but one of your own sons will dethrone you,
for crime begets crime.” In order to prevent this from happening
Cronus ate each of his kids as they were born. His wife, Rhea,
however, foiled his plan by giving birth to a son, Zeus. When Zeus
was born his mother hid him with a shepherd family until one day
she brought him back to be the new cupbearer. Cronus of course,
did not recognize him. Rhea and Zeus plotted against Cronus and
made a poisonous drink for him. When he drank it, he threw up all
of his children that he had swallowed, still alive because gods
cannot be digested. Zeus and his siblings all fought against Cronus
and him and his army fled. Zeus became king of the gods, fulfilling
the prophecy made to Cronus.
