Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, with a height of 2,917.727 metres (9,572.60 ft). It is also the most famous mountain in Greek mythology, as it was believed to be the home of the twelve Olympian gods and goddesses, led by Zeus, the king of the gods. Mount Olympus is located in the Olympus Range on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, near the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. It has 52 peaks and deep gorges, and it is a national park and a world biosphere reserve, with exceptional biodiversity and rich flora. Every year, thousands of visitors admire its natural beauty, tour its slopes, and climb its peaks.
But did you know that Mount Olympus is not the only place named after this legendary mountain? In fact, there are several other mountains, hills, villages, and even mythical personages that share the name Olympus or its variations. Here are some of them:
- Olympus Mons: This is the tallest mountain and volcano in the solar system, located on Mars. It has a height of about 21 km (13 mi) and a diameter of about 600 km (370 mi). It is a shield volcano, meaning that it was formed by repeated eruptions of lava that spread over a large area. Its name was given by astronomers in the 19th century, who observed a bright spot on the surface of Mars and named it after the Greek mountain.
- Olympus Range: This is a mountain range in Antarctica, located in Victoria Land. It has several peaks, such as Mount Zeus (3,260 m or 10,696 ft), Mount Apollo (2,940 m or 9,646 ft), Mount Hera (2,870 m or 9,416 ft), and Mount Athena (2,760 m or 9,055 ft). The range was named by the New Zealand Antarctic Place-Names Committee in 1964, after the Greek gods and goddesses.
- Olympus Cove: This is a neighborhood in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. It is situated at the base of Mount Olympus (not to be confused with the Greek one), which is part of the Wasatch Range. Mount Olympus has a height of 2,748 m (9,015 ft) and is a popular hiking destination. The neighborhood was named after the mountain in the 1950s.
- Olympus (mythology): This is a collective name for several mythical personages in Greek and Roman mythology who were associated with Mount Olympus. They include:
- The Olympians, the twelve main gods and goddesses who resided on Mount Olympus: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hermes, and Dionysus.
- The Hecatoncheires, the hundred-handed giants who guarded the gates of Mount Olympus: Briareus (or Aegaeon), Cottus, and Gyges.
- The Muses, the nine goddesses of arts and sciences who lived on Mount Helicon near Mount Olympus: Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Euterpe (lyric poetry), Thalia (comedy), Melpomene (tragedy), Terpsichore (dance), Erato (love poetry), Polyhymnia (sacred poetry), and Urania (astronomy).
- The Graces, the three goddesses of beauty and charm who attended Aphrodite on Mount Olympus: Aglaia (splendor), Euphrosyne (mirth), and Thalia (good cheer).
- The Horae, the three goddesses of seasons and order who regulated the entrance to Mount Olympus: Eunomia (lawfulness), Dike (justice), and Eirene (peace).
As you can see, Mount Olympus has inspired many names for different places and beings throughout history and across cultures. It is a testament to its enduring significance as a symbol of majesty, divinity, and culture.
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