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