Greek gods make up a hierarchy of gods and demi-gods, who are all related through family ties. In ancient Greek religion, the various gods are assigned to rule over different factors which were important in the lives of the ancient Greek people. For example, Dionysus ruled over wine which was a staple in the Greeks daily diet. These gods were ruled by Zeus and his wife Hera, who were the head of the Olympian family. They ruled over a wide range of their brothers, sisters, as well as sons and daughters.
Ancient Greek religion was very similar to other ancient religions in the region. Many elements fundamental to Greek mythology can be found throughout the ancient world. In fact, many creation myths have similar backgrounds, especially when the cultures developed so close together and must have had contact with one another. For example, the ancient Egyptian myth of Isis and Osiris repeats itself in the story of the Greek god of the underworld, Hades, and his abduction of Persephone. Another example of a Greek myth found within the religious texts of another culture is the myth of Duecalion, who resembles the Judeo-Christian figure of Noah who was chosen to save future generations at the time of the great flood.
All of the Greek gods and their interactions were very similar to how humans would naturally act. They are all inclined to be jealous and vengeful of one another, along with having affairs that rival any daytime soap opera. They would choose sides and create massive wars on earth in order to win their way and prove their point.
Although the ancient Greek religion had fundamental elements which were very similar to other ancient religions, there is one thing that set it apart. The quarrelsome Greek gods did not try to teach their human subjects any kind of religious doctrine. Unlike Judaism and Christianity, with its strict rules and commandments, the Greek religion had no specific doctrines which it's followers needed to generally follow. Instead, the ancient tradition relied on mysticism, such as what was seen in the case of the Oracle of Delphi. Many researchers and scholars say that this freedom inspired Greek thought and freedom to pursue different ideas.
