Transcript Roman_Gods
Roman Gods Virgil’s Aeneid Jupiter (Zeus) • Originally sky spirit – important in agriculture • Lost rustic background and became chief god, defender of city and state • Powerful, middle-aged, bearded • Jupiter more dignified than Zeus • Used thunderbolt to warn and punish Juno (Hera) • Originally goddess of light • Responsible for childbirth, marriage and other female concerns • Looked after birth rate of nation • With Jupiter, co-guardian of her people • Depicted as young and beautiful women, but also dignity of Roman matron Mars (Ares) • • • • Second in importance to Jupiter Originally agricultural March his month As empire became important to Romans he became god of war • Never completely lost farming role • Father of the state – features in the story of Romulus and Remus • Different to Ares who had no loyalty to any side in war Vesta (Hestia) • Personified fire – domestic fire used for cooking, warmth and religious ceremonies • Every home honoured her every day • Honoured in a state cult – Vestal Virgins who tended the state fire • Tales of Hestia do not match Hera • Truly Roman figure Minerva (Athene) • Patron of crafts and commerce • Never as important as the Greek Athene Neptune (Poseidon) • Originally a fresh water god • Under Greek influence identified with the God of the sea • Less significant role than Poseidon – most Romans dry land people • Not as much personality as Poseidon Diana (Artemis) • Spirit of woods and mountains • Original mysterious cult submerged by Greek Artemis – goddess of woods and mountains • Depicted as beautiful young woman in a short tunic or gown, carrying bow and arrow Venus (Aphrodite) • Spirit of springtime • This association led to her being merged with Greek Goddess of love and feminine beauty • Straight laced Romans less enthusiastic about bad example of numerous love affairs • Good luck • Cult took after when linked to Aeneas • Claimed ancestress of Julius Caesar • Portrayed as beautiful young woman often in nude • Accompanied by son – god of love (Eros or Cupid) Mercury (Hermes) • God of commerce and trade • First appeared as Roman God around fifth century BC as trade developed at Rome • By Augustus’ time very important to businessmen • Thought of as low-class • Depicted as young man with wide brimmed hat, sandals and little else Vulcan (Hephaistos) • • • • One of oldest Roman Gods God of fire Patron of metal crafts Lacked personality and mythology