Roman Mythology

Polytheistic religion combined Greek Mythology with Rome’s ancient gods.

Explained:

• Human qualities (fertility, strength, etc.)

• Natural phenomena (seasons, earthquakes, etc.)

• Life events (marriages business ventures, etc.)

Rome’s religious beliefs were integral to its culture, politics, and art

( Planets/Solar System = “Heavenly Bodies” )

Greek Gods Roman Names

The Pantheon: A temple to all of the Roman Gods and Goddesses

Roman Influences Today!

Later civilizations use Roman gods____/goddesses in art, literature, architecture, and science

How many planets are named after Roman gods?

(Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Pluto, Neptune, Mars)

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Western Civilizations today use Roman symbols, words, and idealized images

Roman Mythology in use today

Ceres, goddess of agriculture: Breakfast Cereal

Mars, god of war: Martial Arts, Martial Law

Vulcan, god of war, forges Volcanoes

Venus, goddesses of love: Venereal Diseases

Roman Society

Rome was a diverse civilization due to conquest, expansion

Selected foreigners (non-Romans) were granted citizenship to assimilate [a]them into the Roman Republic

The assimilated conquered people with colonies and intermarriage.

Most foreigners could not vote or participate in government.

Slaves came from the newly conquered territories

Roman Women

Had more freedoms than Greek women

Could own property, testify in court, divorce, and attend public entertainment

Like Greek women, Roman women could not participate in politics/government (vote)

Class Conflict in Rome