According to Greek mythology, there were twelve Gods, each of which resided upon Mt Olympus, hence earning themselves the name of “The Olympians”.

The head of these Gods was Zeus (Roman name Jupiter), the son and conqueror of the titans, who guarded over the domain of the sky. Throughout Greek myth, Zeus is infamous for his liaisons with both mortals and immortals, his conquests’ producing heroes such as Herakles and Perseus.

Hera (Roman name Juno), wife to Zeus, was goddess of marriage and the protection of the home. She is most frequently portrayed as a bird. In mythology, Hera is perhaps most famous for her involvement with the “apple of discord”, which was said to be the origins of the Trojan War, although the treatment of the children produced by the affairs of her husband is also told in countless myths.

One of these children, Athena (Roman name Minerva) resided on Olympus as goddess of war, although in the classical era she was worshipped as goddess of wisdom also, and hence was symbolised as an owl. Athena was the patron god of Athens, supposedly because she granted the people the gift of the olive tree. In myth, Zeus complained of a headache’ and had his head cut open in an attempt to find the origin of the pain, where Athena promptly appeared, in full battle regalia.

Another god of war was Ares (Roman name Mars), was often portrayed carrying a bloodstained spear, and his bed in Olympus was said to have been covered in the skin of all of the humans that he had slain. The Romans worshipped this god more than the Greeks as they believed that he was the father of Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of the Roman city.

Another Olympian was Aphrodite (Roman name Venus), the Goddess of love and fertility. In mythology, Aphrodite was the goddess that eventually won the “Apple of discord”, and it was her actions that sparked the Trojan War. It was believed that she was married to Hephaestus to prevent any bloodshed in the attempt to win her hand in marriage. Despite her countless romantic liaisons, her most famous child was Eros, another god of love.

Hephaestus (Roman name Vulcan) was the god of fire and crafts, but also of metal work and even volcanoes, and hence he is often depicted next to an anvil. He was said to be the son of Hera and Zeus, but was born crippled, he hence became known as the lame god. In myth, heroes were often given gifts that were fashioned by Hephaestus with the help of the Cyclops , and it was said that Pandora was fashioned by his hand.

Apollo (Roman name Apollo) was the god of light, healing and prophecy, and along with his twin sister Artemis, was a child of Zeus. Apollo was worshipped throughout Greece, and was often depicted with a swan, dolphin or with a bow and arrow. Yet another God that was known for his romantic liaisons, he was said to have produced many children. This was unlike his sister, the virgin goddess of the hunt Artemis (Roman name Diana). Artemis was also worshipped as a goddess of childbirth, as it was said that she helped her mother in delivering Apollo, however it was also said that those children who died at birth were shot by her arrows.

Demeter (Roman name Ceres) was goddess of agriculture and the harvest, and was the sister of Zeus. In myth, Demeter is perhaps best known as being the mother of Persephone, who had to spend six months a year in hell with Hades because of her consumption of six pomegranate seeds. This accounted for the seasons, as when Persephone could be with her mother it was spring and summer, as if Demeter was content then so too was the earth, and hence autumn and winter meant her departure.

Dionysus (Roman name Bacchus) was Greek god of wine, and was the son of Zeus. In myth, Dionysus is most famous for his responsibility in granting Midas the gift of his golden touch and is mentioned very little until later on in Greek mythology, however historians believe that he encapsulates the mysteries found in other religions.

Hermes (Roman name Mercury) was messenger to the gods and guided the spirits to their place in the underworld, and hence became the god of travellers. Throughout mythology, Hermes was known as a friend to man, often aiding heroes in their quests. Hermes is often depicted wearing heeled sandals, a symbol of his position as a guide to both the living and the dead.

One of the most famous gods, and brother of Zeus, is Poseidon (Roman name Neptune), god of the sea. In mythology, Poseidon was constantly involved in disputes between himself and his two brothers (Zeus and Hades). Like most of the Gods, his romantic liaisons meant that he fathered many heroes, including Theseus, and in the Odyssey, it is the wrath of Poseidon towards the treatment of his child the Cyclops that leads to the extension of Odysseus’ voyage.