Zeus is the supreme god of Greek mythology, leader of the 12 Olympian gods.

How did Zeus become a god?

Zeus became a god because he was the son of the divine Titans Cronus and Rhea. Zeus escaped his father who wanted to kill him and then defeated him and the other Titans in battle.

How many children did Zeus have?

Zeus had many children but the most important were: Apollo, Athena, Hephaistos, Ares, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysos, Persephone, Hercules, and Perseus.

Zeus Timeline

Definition

Zeus was the king of the 12 Olympian gods and the supreme god in Greek religion. Zeus is often referred to as the Father, as the god of thunder, and the 'cloud-gatherer'. Zeus controlled the weather and offered signs and omens. Zeus generally dispensed justice, guaranteeing order amongst both the gods and humanity from his seat high on Mt. Olympus.

More about: Zeus

Timeline

c. 800 BCE
The oracle of Zeus is established at Dodona.
776 BCE
First athletic games in honour of Zeus are held at Olympia with one event, the stadion foot race.
c. 700 BCE
Greek poet Hesiod writes his Theogony and Works and Days.
573 BCE
First athletic games at Nemea in honour of Zeus.
c. 480 BCE
The huge temple of Zeus is built at Agrigento.
c. 460 BCE - 457 BCE
Temple of Zeus is built at Olympia with a statue of Apollo dominating the west pediment and containing the cult statue of Zeus by Phidias.
c. 460 BCE
The bronze Poseidon or Zeus statue (of Cape Artemesium) is sculpted.
c. 430 BCE
The cult statue of Zeus by Phidias is dedicated in the Temple of Zeus, Olympia. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
c. 330 BCE
Temple of Zeus built at Nemea.