CLASS 102 A1 Roman Myth Canvas

CLASS 102 A1 Roman Myth Outline

• Three Major Influences on Roman Mythic Traditions

• The Trojan Cycle and Roman Myth

• Early Latin Myths

• Characteristics of Roman Myths

Three Major Influences on Roman Mythic Traditions

1. Native Religion on the Italian Peninsula

   • Divine numina (singular: numen) are fundamental. They are seen as 'nodders', not anthropomorphic, each with limited functions.

   • Examples include:

     • Janus: Numina of gates and beginnings

     • Robigo: Numina protecting wheat from mildew

     • Lares: Ancestors’ spirits protecting households

     • Penates: Protectors of household possessions.

   • Sacrificium: Rituals to make sacred; based on the principle of "do ut des" or "I give in order that you may give."

2. Etruscan Myth and Ritual

   • A culturally rich nation that influenced Roman language and rituals until the Roman revolt of 509 BCE.

   • Gave rise to names of significant gods such as Minerva, Juno, and Jupiter.

   • Contributed practices of augury and omens to Roman culture.

3. Greek Colonization of Italy

   • Greek influence, both direct and indirect, notably through conquest in the 2nd century BCE.

   • Romans adapted Greek art and literature, merging deities; for instance, Jupiter, the Italian sky-god, assumed qualities of Zeus.

The Trojan Cycle and Roman Myth

• Aeneas: A key figure, son of Aphrodite and Anchises, is central to the tale.

• He escaped the destruction of Troy, ultimately bringing groups of survivors to Italy, starting a foundational saga.

• The founding of Rome is mythically dated to c. 753 BCE, with legendary accounts bridging the fall of Troy and Rome’s rise, primarily chronicled by the historian Livy.

• Excerpts from the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite illustrate the divine interplay in Aeneas’s story, particularly Aphrodite's longing for mortal experience.

Early Latin Myths

• Aeneas and Ascanius: After establishing Lavinium in Italy post-war, Aeneas’s son, Ascanius, founded Alba Longa, leading to various legendary kings documented by Livy.

• Numitor and Amulius: Brothers vying for power. Amulius expelled Numitor, using strategic means to control. Rhea Silvia, Numitor's daughter, became a Vestal Virgin, only to give birth to twins Romulus and Remus after being assaulted by Mars, the god of war.

• Romulus and Remus: The twins fought against injustice, reestablished Numitor, and after a civil strife between them, Romulus founded Rome—symbolizing a city birthed from fratricide and divine ancestry.

• Altar to Mars and Venus: Emphasizes the divine lineage of Rome and its heroic beginnings, featuring prominent vignettes such as the she-wolf nurturing the twins, a symbol of Rome’s origin.

The Rape of the Sabine Women

• In a bid for population stability, Romulus invited the Sabines to a festival where he orchestrated the abduction of their daughters, leading to a protracted conflict. This age-old myth emphasizes themes of war, unity, and societal need.

Lucretia and the Origins of the Republic

• The Etruscan monarchy culminated with Tarquin the Proud. His son, Sextus, assaulted Lucretia, a pivotal act leading to her suicide.

• Her death ignited a revolution led by Brutus, resulting in the establishment of the Roman Republic and Senate.

Characteristics of Roman Myths

• Roman mythology intricately connects with history and traditions, showcasing fewer supernatural elements than Greek myths.

• The narratives are imbued with patriotism, moral teachings, and reflect a strong patriarchal society.

• Central themes highlight military values and piety, celebrated alongside details like frescoes from Pompeii depicting Rome's foundation.

Comparisons: Impressions of Early Roman Myths

• Unlike Greek myths, Roman stories tend to emphasize societal norms and historical foundations, presenting a less fantastical but more grounded narrative.

• Roman tales focus on morality, duty, and lineage, distinguishing them through their emphasis on pragmatic values over capricious divine interactions.