Though considered less important than many other gods, Poseidon was the most influential because of his control of the Greek people through the sea. This influence was possible because of the Greeks' use of the sea. He often treated them and their ships as toys in a bath tub.

Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, controlled the sea and earthquakes. Neptune, Poseidon's Roman name, received his position and power after he and his two brothers defeated their father, Cronus, and took over the Earth. The three brothers drew for the three domains. Zeus became the King of the gods and ruled the heavens; Poseidon was crowned ruler of the sea; and Hades ruled the underworld. The former ruler of the sea, Oceanus, gave Poseidon his daughter, Amphrite, for marriage. Poseidon had a variety of children ranging from half-man half-fish to horses to Cyclopes. The violence of the...