ROMAN MYTHOLOGY

Private and Public Gods Roman religion was divided into two types of gods, primarily as a result of Rome conquering much of Greece in the Macedonian Wars. Spirits (Numina) watched over people, families and households One who Guards the Cradle One Who Presides over Children’s Food Rivers, trees, fields and buildings each had their own spirit, or numen. Tables were set with places for the spirits to join Romans also had a set of public gods Roman gods were a blend of deities, with close similarities to the gods worshipped by the ancient Greeks. Ex. Jupiter and Mars State worship was much more formal Each god needed an image – usually a statue or relief in stone or bronze – and an altar or temple at which to offer the prayers and sacrifices.

Divine blessing Romans also believed that many of their gods had played an active part in the foundation of Rome. Venus was believed to be the mother of Aeneas (mythological founder of Roman Empire), making her the divine mother of the Roman people. Mars was the father of Romulus and Remus, the mythological founders of Rome. Emperors used the importance of religion for their own ends. Augustus Caesar appointed himself as the chief priest – or Pontifex Maximus – used the appearance of Halley’s Comet to claim that he was, himself, the son of a god. hired writers and poets to develop myths that weave their greatness into the beginnings of Rome and Roman Empire.

Roman Mythology –How does it compare? Came 1000 years after the Greeks. Origin of Greek Mythology unknown/ Roman mythology has clear origins Greek Mythology focused on mortal life, earthly accomplishments to acquire fame/ Roman Mythology focused only on mortal life as a means to be rewarded in the afterlife. Greek religion had little influence on the state/ Roman Mythology was endorsed, and sometimes written, by the state

Greek GodRoman EquivalentIdentification 1. Jupiter/ JoveRuler of all gods/men 2.NeptuneGod of the seas 3.PlutoRuler over land of dead 4.JunoQueen of the gods 5.CeresGoddess of grain 6.MinervaGoddess of wisdom 7.Apollo or Phoebus ApolloGod of the sun/music 8.DianaGoddess of moon/hunt 9.VenusGoddess of love/beauty 10.MarsGod of war 11.MercuryMessenger god 12.VulcanGod of fire 13.CupidGod of love 14.ProserpinaGoddess of the Underworld

Greek GodRoman EquivalentIdentification ZeusJupiter/ JoveRuler of all gods/men PoseidonNeptuneGod of the seas HadesPlutoRuler over land of dead HeraJunoQueen of the gods DemeterCeresGoddess of grain AthenaMinervaGoddess of wisdom ApolloApollo or Phoebus ApolloGod of the sun/music ArtemisDianaGoddess of moon/hunt AphroditeVenusGoddess of love/beauty AresMarsGod of war HermesMercuryMessenger god HephaestusVulcanGod of fire ErosCupidGod of love

Romulus and Remus (pg. 110) 1.Almost all cultures have stories that explain their beginnings. Why do you think the Romans used Romulus and Remus for that purpose? How does it shine a positive light on Rome? 2.Tell why you think it would be important to the Romans for Mars, the God of War, to be the alleged father of Romulus and Remus. Tell whether there are any other elements of war that tie into the story. 3.Like Heracles, Romulus has a remarkable death. How is his death like that of Heracles? What does it contribute to his heroic image? 4.In this myth, the founder of Rome kills his brother and plans the rape and abduction of the Sabine women. Do these actions detract from Romulus’ heroic stature? If not, why? What do they reveal about life at that time?