This 8-week course examines Zeus as a multifaceted deity whose authority permeated ritual, politics, identity and landscape across the ancient Greek world.

Far from being a single uniform figure, Zeus appeared in distinct regional guises shaped by local traditions, social needs, and historical circumstances. We will focus on three major sanctuaries of Zeus: Olympia, renowned for its Panhellenic games and the monumental cult of Zeus Olympios; Dodona, the oldest Greek oracle and an Epirote centre of sound-based divination addressed to Zeus Naios; and Dion, the Macedonian religious capital where Zeus Olympios and Hypsistos legitimised royal power.

We will investigate ritual practices and political developments to understand how Greek sanctuaries and forms of worship emerged in each case, and how they articulated divine presence and authority. Topics include sacred landscapes and the evolution of these sanctuaries, athletic festivals as religious acts, oracular communication, kingship and divine favour, and the role of Zeus in shaping a Panhellenic identity.

We will meet on Zoom on Wednesdays, 19:30-21:00 (GMT), on 21st January, 28th January, 4th February, mid-term break 11th February, 18th February, 25th February, 4th March, 11th March, and 18th March 2026.

Tutor: Dr Katerina Kolotourou.