1. Roman Mythology

2. Roman Mythology –How does it compare?
Came 1000 years after the Greeks.
Origin of Greek Mythology unknown/ Roman mythology has clear origins
Greek religion had little influence on the state/ Roman Mythology was endorsed, and sometimes written, by the state

3. 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– Latin for divinity) watched over people, families and households
One who Guards the Cradle
One Who Presides over Children’s Food
One who watched over the construction and preservation of sewers
Includes spirits of ancestors (shades)
Not anthropomorphic
Rivers, trees, fields and buildings each had their own spirit, or numen.
Tables were set with places for the spirits to join

4. Private and Public Gods
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
Human appearance; human emotions
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. 

5. Divine blessing
Romans also believed that many of their gods had played an active part in the foundation of Rome.
Venus --mother of Aeneas (mythological founder of Roman Empire), making her the divine mother of the Roman people.
Mars --father of Romulus and Remus, the mythological founders of Rome. 
Emperors used the importance of religion for their own ends. 
Augustus Caesar  --used religion as a tool to protect his position and promote his political agenda. 
hired writers and poets to develop myths that weave his greatness into the beginnings of Rome and Roman Empire.
Halley’s Comet– Augustus claimed it was Julius Caesar entering the heavens (Augustus was the heir, son of a god, and therefore also divine)

7. Greek God
Roman Equivalent
Identification
Jupiter/ Jove
Ruler of all gods/men 2.
Neptune
God of the seas 3.
Pluto
Ruler over land of dead 4.
Juno
Queen of the gods 5.
Ceres
Goddess of grain 6.
Minerva
Goddess of wisdom 7.
Apollo or Phoebus Apollo
God of the sun/music 8.
Diana
Goddess of moon/hunt 9.
Venus
Goddess of love/beauty
10.
Mars
God of war
11.
Mercury
Messenger god
12.
Vulcan
God of fire
13.
Cupid
God of love
14.
Proserpina
Goddess of the Underworld

8. Greek God
Roman Equivalent
Identification
Zeus
Jupiter/ Jove
Ruler of all gods/men
Poseidon
Neptune
God of the seas
Hades
Pluto
Ruler over land of dead
Hera
Juno
Queen of the gods
Demeter
Ceres
Goddess of grain
Athena
Minerva
Goddess of wisdom
Apollo
Apollo or Phoebus Apollo
God of the sun/music
Artemis
Diana
Goddess of moon/hunt
Aphrodite
Venus
Goddess of love/beauty
Ares
Mars
God of war
Hermes
Mercury
Messenger god
Hephaestus
Vulcan
God of fire
Eros
Cupid
God of love

9. Romulus and Remus
Roman version of a creation myth

11. Vestal Virgin

17. How is this myth reminiscent of the Greek Creation Myth?
What elements are similar?

18. Romulus and Remus (pg. 110)
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?
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.
Like Heracles, Romulus has a remarkable death. How is his death like that of Heracles? What does it contribute to his heroic image?
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?