3. Roman Mythology and Gods

Q: How did Romans adopt Greek myths?

A: They integrated Greek mythology with Roman beliefs, creating twelve major gods, numerous minor gods (like river or local deities), and semi-divine beings with limited powers.

Q: Who was the chief Roman god?

A: Jupiter, ruler of gods and men, worshipped on the Capitol in Rome with Juno (wife) and Minerva (daughter)

Q: Who were other major gods and their domains?

A: - Neptune (brother): seas

• Pluto (brother): underworld

• Ceres (sister): agriculture

• Volcanus (son): fire and metalworkers

Q: How did Romans interpret lightning?

A: As Jupiter punishing wrongdoers; rituals were conducted to appease him if lightning struck buildings or people.

Q: Who were minor gods?

A: Deities with limited or local influence, often worshipped only in specific regions.

Q: Who were other supernatural beings?

A: Entities neither fully gods nor mortals; could be killed by gods but not humans.