In Greek mythology, Zeus is one of the most important gods. He is the king of all other gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus, which is the highest mountain in all of Greece. Furthermore, Zeus controls the sky and the power of thunder and lightning. In iconography, Zeus is often associated with the symbols of the thunderbolt, oak tree, and the eagle bull. In fact, Zeus is often shown holding a thunderbolt in his hand, prepared to strike down anyone who might scorn him or his brethren. In Greek art, Zeus is almost always pictures standing or striding in a powerful, daunting manner.

Not only is Zeus a powerful figure unto himself, but he is also linked by family to many other gods in the Greek mythological family tree. Zeus was the son of Cronus and Rhea. In most mythological traditions, Zeus is married to Hera. With Hera, Zeus fathered Ares, Hephaestus, and Hebe.

However, almost all myth systems agree the Zeus had numerous extramarital trysts. For example, he is believed to be the father of Aphrodite, who was the daughter of Dione. This particular mythological story was reinforced by the famous bard Homer in his epic, The Iliad. Through his affair with Demeter, Zeus sired the goddess Persephone. Furthermore, his relationship with Mnemosyne brought the Muses into the world. In most schools of mythology, Zeus is also credited for fathering Minos, Athena, Artemis, Dinoysus, Heracles, Apollo, Hermes, Perseus, and Helen.

Much Roman mythology and Etruscan mythology is in keeping with the tales of Greek mythology, Zeus also plays a role in these schools of myth. His Roman counterpart is the god Jupiter; in Etruscan mythology, he is known as Tinia.

In order to pray and pay homage to Zeus, Greeks would travel to Mount Olympia, which was viewed as being Zeus's home or temple. In fact, there was a festival held at this location every four years during which competitive games were played. This tradition, of course, lead to the Olympic games which are still played and honored worldwide today. The temple of Zeus at Mount Olympia was made of ash rather than stone. This ash was taken from the accumulation of many centuries' worth of animal sacrifices that had taken place at that location.