What is Mount Olympus?
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the legendary home of the Greek gods. In mythology, the twelve Olympian gods lived in palaces at the peak, hidden above the clouds where no mortal could reach them.
The Mountain
- Highest peak in Greece at 9,573 feet (2,918 meters)
- Located in northern Greece between Thessaly and Macedonia
- The summit was believed to be hidden by clouds
- Snow-capped peaks made it seem like a magical realm
Home of the Gods
The gods built their palaces at the very top of Mount Olympus. Zeus had the grandest palace of all, where he sat on his golden throne. The gods would gather in Zeus's palace to feast on ambrosia and nectar, the food and drink that kept them immortal.
The Twelve Olympians
- Zeus - King of the Gods
- Hera - Queen of the Gods
- Poseidon - God of the Sea
- Athena - Goddess of Wisdom
- Apollo - God of the Sun
- Artemis - Goddess of the Hunt
- Aphrodite - Goddess of Love
- Ares - God of War
- Hephaestus - God of Fire and Forge
- Hermes - Messenger of the Gods
- Demeter - Goddess of the Harvest
- Dionysus - God of Wine
Fun Facts
- The name "Olympian" comes from Mount Olympus
- The ancient Olympic Games were held to honor Zeus
- Mortals were forbidden from climbing to the top
- The gates to Olympus were guarded by the Seasons
- You can still climb Mount Olympus today in Greece!