• The ancient Greeks believed also in other humbler deities. Of these, Dionysos or Bacchus, the god of the vineyards and the wine. Persephone goddess of flowering nature but also of the underworld, and Pluto, dreaded lord of Hades, were most important ones. Then there were the nymphs in the forests and the caves, and the Nereids in the depths of the sea. The also worshipped demigods, issued from godly father and mortal women. Herakles ,Theseus and Minos were the best -known among them. Herakles is the hero of the Greek Mythology that became worldwide famous for this courage and vigor, that helped him to achieve unique and simultaneously incredible labors.

Satyrs were one category of daemons, ancient secondary deities. Originally they were thought to be ugly and misshapen. Gradually, however, beliefs changed, and in the 4^th century B.C. they were represented as young and handsome men.

Pothos, Desire, was one of the innumerable minor deities of Greek pantheon.

Thanatos ( Death) and his brother Hypnos (Sleep) carry off a dead warrior. The Greeks dreamed death. Thanatos was deemed to live in the depths of darkness with his father Tartaros.

The ancient Greeks were a deeply religious people. Much work and great wealth was lavished on their temples, which were their outstanding public buildings. They also were careful to offer gifts of fruit, beautiful vases and jewelry to their gods, whom they believed to have the some foibles as human beings. Religious ceremonies centered around sacrifices of animals and libations. The gods' goodwill was thought essential for success in all endeavors.