Belief Systems and Practices in Ancient Greece

CHW3M CCA Greece/Rome Paragraph Outline TEMPLATE

Topic Sentence:
Ancient Greece maintained a highly developed belief system that was necessary for the growth of a flourishing civilization by the cohesive worshipping of the Olympian gods, the epic mythology illustrated by the Greek scholars, and the intricate practices of offerings and sacrifices in the sanctuaries.
Sub-topics should appear in the outline/paragraph in the same order as in the topic sentence.

Sub-topic 1: The Olympian Gods
1. Point The Olympians are twelve brilliant, strong-willed, quarrelsome gods living atop Mt Olympus in northern Greece who are both like and unlike human beings.
Piece of background knowledge The Greeks believed that their immortal gods controlled all
As Greek civilization developed, particularly during the Hellenistic period, which began about 323 BC, the mythology also changed. New philosophies and the influence of neighboring civilizations caused a gradual modification of Greek beliefs. However, the essential characteristics of the Greek gods and their legends remain unchanged.

Sub-topic 2: Ancient Greek Mythology
2. Point Greek Mythology are the beliefs and ritual observances of the ancient Greeks, who became the first Western civilization about 2000 BC. It consists mainly of a body of diverse stories and legends about a variety of deities. The Greek myths were often recited aloud, not simply for amusement, but as an essential part of the education of Greek citizens.
Piece of background knowledge Greek mythology had become fully developed by about the 700s BC. The mythology was interwoven with every aspect of Greek life. Those marvelous legends of various gods and goddess and their festivals, whether state or local, were public shared by all Greeks.
Mini Citation Harris, Nathaniel. History of ancient Greece. London: Octopus Publishing Group limited,
3. Point Sanctuaries were places separate from the secular world where communities met to worship together. It was here that sacrifices were performed, festivals celebrated and oracles consulted.
Piece of background knowledge Each city devoted itself to a particular god or group of gods, for whom the citizens often built temples of worship. They regularly honored the gods in festivals, which high officials supervised.
Mini Citation Camp, John. Exploring the word of the ancient Greeks. London: Thames& Hudson Ltd, 2002.
Transition to example The Greeks worshipped in sanctuaries located, according to the nature of the particular deity, either within the city or in the countryside.
3. Example A sanctuary was a well-defined sacred space set apart usually by an enclosure wall. It contained the temple with a monumental cult image of the deity, an outdoor altar, statues and votive offerings to the gods. Many temples benefited from their natural surroundings, which helped to express the character of the divinities. For instance, the temple at Sounion dedicated to Poseidon, god of the sea, commands a spectacular view of the water on three sides, and the Parthenon on the rocky Athenian Akropolis celebrates the indomitable might of the goddess