Aim: How can we analyze the impact of
Greek mythology on our culture?
Do Now: Discuss the
origins and modern
meanings of the following
words:
• Amazon
• Nike
• Midas
Common Greek and Roman Words Used
in Our Culture
Ajax - Greek warrior in the Trojan War, who "cleaned up" in battle; Ajax is the
name of a popular household cleanser.
 Amazon - Race of warrior women; Amazon.com - huge on-line bookstore. There
is also the Amazon Health Care.
 Hercules - Roman name for Heracles, the greatest Greek hero; the company
called Hercules makes a top-selling video graphics card
 Hermes - Olympian Herald and Messenger god. The Hermes Boutique offers
high end goods. Hermes Financial Group, Hermes Records and Hermes Hotel
are further examples.
 Mars - Roman name for Ares, god of War; name of popular candy bar.
 Midas - King with the golden touch, who transformed all he touched to gold; a
famous muffler and brake chain of service stations. Midas Consoles makes live
audio mixing consoles.
 Nike - Winged goddess of Victory, who can run and fly at great speeds; a
famous company that sells...well...if you haven't heard of the company Nike,
welcome to our planet...:)
 Titans - Race of gods preceding the Olympians; Titan Tool & Die Company
manufactures tools for industry. The Tennessee Titans play in the NFL.
Set Up of Vocabulary Section
 Fold down a sheet of paper and write vocabulary
section on the flap.
 Put the date that the vocab. was given next to the
margin.
 Put a number next to the date.
 Write the vocab. word.
 Write the part of speech next to the word in
parenthesis.
 Finally, write the full definition for the word.
Partner Activity
Turn to the person next to you
and brainstorm a list of
common words/ names in our
culture that originated in Greek
or Roman mythology.
Chart of Greek Gods and Goddesses
Greek Name
Zeus
Apollo
Hermes
Poseidon
Ares
Hephasstus
Dionysus
Roman Name
Jupiter
Phoebus Apollo
Mercury
Neptune
Mars
Vulcan
Bacchus
Pan
Pan
Eros
Hades
Athena
Artimus
Aphrodite
Hera
Demeter
Cupid
Pluto
Minerva
Diana
Venus
Uno
Ceres
Title
King of Gods
God of Light
Messenger of the Gods
God of the Sea
God of War
God of Fire
God of Wine
God of Woods and
Pastures
God of Love
God of Underworld
Goddess of Wisdom
Goddess of the Hunt
Goddess of Love/Beauty
Queen of the Gods
Goddess of Grain/Crops