Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Zeus
References & Edit History Related Topics
Images & Videos
Marble bust of Jupiter with long curly hair and a full beard, draped in a classical garment, displayed at the Vatican Museum. Zeus hurling a thunderbolt Temple of Zeus the gods on Olympus
When Were the First Olympic Games?
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Quizzes
Parthenon, Acropolis, Athens, Greece.
From Athena to Zeus: Basics of Greek Mythology
James Barry (1741-1806) painting title: The Education of Achilles, oil on canvas by James Barry, c. 1772; in the Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, Connecticut. 102.9 x 128.9 cm Alternate title: Chiron and Achilles
Gods, Goddesses, and Greek Mythology
mythology. Greek. Hermes. (Roman Mercury)
Ancient Greek Gods and Demigods Quiz 
Related Questions
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
Marble bust of Jupiter with long curly hair and a full beard, draped in a classical garment, displayed at the Vatican Museum.
Zeus Head of Zeus, sculpture in the Vatican Museums, Vatican City.

Zeus

Greek god
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History

Zeus, in ancient Greek religion, chief deity of the pantheon, a sky and weather god who was identical with the Roman god Jupiter. His name may be related to that of the sky god Dyaus of the ancient Hindu Rigveda. Zeus was regarded as the sender of thunder and lightning, rain, and winds, and his traditional weapon was the thunderbolt. He was called the father (i.e., the ruler and protector) of both gods and humans....

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content
Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile