The Classical Age Roman Sarcophagus

The Greeks & Romans Enormously impacted Western society: Influencing its laws and customs Its art and science Mythologies Moral principles Contrasts in determining cosmic and human life

Center of the World One of the most important sanctuaries was Apollo at Delphi, Mount Parnassus. -Apollo, who was associated with the sun -Delphi was thought to be the center of the world * The point were two birds flying from opposite ends of the earth met.

Temples Earthly homes of the gods Most temples were dedicated to a particular deity, whose cult was centered on the location. Showing exploits of the gods/goddess – usually decorated with friezes.

Parthenon, Athens Built on the Acropolis “high city” 447and 432 B.C. Dedicated to the patron deity, Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare

The Romans’ Built temples of deifying dead emperors were built to worship them, including that of Augustus and his wife, Livia, which still stands today in France. Such temples were symbols were both divine and worldly power, testimony to the political and cultural achievements of the Romans.

Seasons and Cycles Greek life was dominated by religion-the death and rebirth of vegetation took a symbolic form in the myth of Persephone (Romans called Proserpine), the virgin daughter of Zeus (Jupiter) and Demeter (Ceres) the Earth goddess. The myth of Persephone: Hades (Pluto, the lord of the underworld) spied…. …the maiden picking poppies and abducted her to be his queen in the realm of the dead. Consumed by grief, Demeter neglected the land while she searched for her daughter. The earth became barren as crops withered, and the result was perpetual winter…..

And so….. To help out, Zeus intervened and sent Hermes (Mercury), the messenger god, to bring Persephone back. Meanwhile, she had eaten 6 six seeds and so was bound to Hades: she could be restored to Demeter for only part of the season. Her annual arrival is marked with the rebirth of spring but at the end of the summer she must return to Hades and the earth becomes barren again.

Games Sport was a way of training for warfare and honoring the gods. National festivities attracted athletes from all over the Greek world, the most important being the Olympic Games. Held every four years in honor of Zeus.

The 5 rings that make up the symbol for modern Olympic Games represent the 5 continents of the world.

Games The Games became so important that wars were suspended to allows people to travel in safety to and from Olympia. The first Olympics were held in 776 BC and continued into Roman times, coming to an end in the late 4th century then revived in 1896.

Game symbols… A runner bearing a torch, harking back to the time when relay races took place after dark. The winning team used them to light fires on altars dedicated to Zeus or Athene. Winners wore laurel wreaths sacred to Apollo and the symbol of victory.

Zeus Jupiter (to the Romans) Ruler of Heaven and Earth Supreme God—married his sister (Hera) but had many sexual liaisons. Often identified by: a thunderbolt and eagle, also depicted in human form wearing a laurel crown, seated on a throne and holding a scepter.

Medicine and Healing To ancient Greeks medicine was seen as a punishment from the gods. Asclepius (Greek physician deified as the god of medicine). Sanctuaries were set all over the most famous being at Epidaurus. The sick made pilgrimages to such temples in hopes to get better.

To the Romans….. ….they too believed that illness could be caused by the gods, as well as witchcraft and curses. They held offerings to the gods on the shape of body parts. This practice still continues today.

The Founding of Rome Legend states Rome was found in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus (sons of the Roman war god Mars). As babies they were thrown in the Tiber River and left to die. But were carried ashore and were raised by a she-wolf. When they grew up they decided to build a city on the Tiber.

She-wolf from Capitoline Hill in Rome (Etruscan)

Power and Victory Roman empire was built on its strength of its army. The army was responsible for protection, building hilltop fortresses to defend Roman gains. The goddess Nike became a symbol of military victory

The Cult of Mithras Persian sun god, Mithras, achieved cult status with the Roman army. Mithras was depicted slaying bull, symbolizing the man’s victory, as well as Rome’s political power over her enemies.

Mithras slaying a white bull symbolizing male sexual potency and power in its purest form.