| − | [[Image:Jupiter.gif|right|thumb|Statue of Zeus, created by the famous Greek sculptor Pheidius during the 5th century B.C. It was considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. The statue stood for over 800 years in the temple of Zeus at Olympia in Greece, until the Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaimed Christianity the state religion, and ordered all statues and likenesses of the pagan gods torn down.]] | + | [[Image:Jupiter.gif|right|thumb|Statue of Zeus, created by the famous Greek sculptor [[Pheidius]] during the 5th century B.C. It was considered one of the [[Seven Wonders of the Ancient World]]. The statue stood for over 800 years in the temple of Zeus at Olympia in Greece, until it was destroyed by fire.]] |
| − | In Greek mythology, '''Zeus''' was the king of the [[Greece|Greek]] gods and the supreme ruler of [[Mount Olympus]]. He was the son of [[Cronus]] and [[Rhea (mythology)|Rhea]], who led the [[Titans]] (a race of mythical beings descended from Uranus and Gaia who preceded the Olympians as rulers of creation). Zeus overthrew his father to become the king of the gods. He was said to rule the world with his siblings [[Hera]] (also his wife), [[Poseidon]], [[Hades]], [[Demeter]], and [[Hestia]]; his children [[Athena]], [[Apollo]], [[Artemis]], [[Hermes]], [[Hephaestus]], and [[Ares]]; and [[Aphrodite]]. These were the thirteen major Greek gods; the Greeks also worshipped numerous minor deities. | + | In [[Greek mythology]], '''Zeus''' was the king of the [[Greece|Greek]] gods and the supreme ruler of [[Mount Olympus]]. He was the son of [[Cronus]] and [[Rhea (mythology)|Rhea]], who led the [[Titans]] (a race of mythical beings descended from Uranus and Gaia who preceded the Olympians as rulers of creation). Zeus overthrew his father to become the king of the gods. He was said to rule the world with his siblings [[Hera]] (also his wife), [[Poseidon]], [[Hades]], [[Demeter]], and [[Hestia]]; his children [[Athena]], [[Apollo]], [[Artemis]], [[Hermes]], [[Hephaestus]], and [[Ares]]; and [[Aphrodite]]. These were the thirteen major Greek gods; the Greeks also worshipped numerous minor deities. |
| | Zeus is also depicted as having a number of infidelities. The most famous of his children from these liasons was [[Hercules]], a demi-god of great strength. | | Zeus is also depicted as having a number of infidelities. The most famous of his children from these liasons was [[Hercules]], a demi-god of great strength. |
| | :[http://quest.nasa.gov/galileo/About/mythology.html The Mythology of Jupiter], NASA Quest. | | :[http://quest.nasa.gov/galileo/About/mythology.html The Mythology of Jupiter], NASA Quest. |