Greek mythology developed to explain natural phenomena and the origins of man. The Greeks believed in many gods and goddesses who lived on Mount Olympus and influenced human affairs. According to myth, Gaia and Uranus were the first beings, from whom the Titans and other creatures emerged. Cronus overthrew his father Uranus and imprisoned the monsters, then Zeus overthrew Cronus to become king of the gods. Zeus and the Olympians defeated the Titans and ruled the world from Mount Olympus.