General overview
Ancient Greek society was rich in learning and innovation. Notable for being 'the first democracy', the Greeks were great carriers of knowledge and wisdom. Deeply embedded into this society however was a religion whose stories and god figures still capture the imaginations of people around the world today. The Greek people created a rich mythology centred on the worship of gods and godesses such as Zeus and Poseidon, with different city states often having their own patron gods. The city of Athens was named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena. According to legend, Poseidon and Athena both competed to become patron of the city. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, creating a salt water spring which he gifted to the city. Athena created the olive tree, gifting it to the city also. The leader of the city accepted Athena's offer and named the city after her. All these gods had animals and food sacrificed to them, as well as having been worshipped in temples, the most magnificent and important of which being the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. This religion had many characteristics in common with other religions of the time, such as polytheism and the belief in an afterlife but it's effects were ultimately further reaching than it's rivals, as evidenced by society's fascination with it to this day.