Roman Mythology

I. Roman MythologyA. Based on the Greek religious beliefs

1. Were polytheistic2. Like Greek religion was not concerned with personal morality or life after death.

I. Roman MythologyA. Based on the Greek religious beliefs

3. Like the Greeks, the Romans used religion for the following three reasons:a. To explain nature (what caused lightning or thunder)b. To explain emotions that sometimes make people

lose self-controlc. They believed religion could bring them certain

benefits in their current life. (a good harvest, good luck)d. Many of Western civilization’s symbols, metaphors,

words, and idealized images come from ancient Roman mythology.

II. Roman Gods and GoddessesA. Jupiter: King of the gods, thunderbolt

B. Juno: Wife of Jupiter and goddess of women

C. Apollo: god of the Sun

D. Diana: goddess of the Moon and hunting

E. Minerva: goddess of Wisdom

F. Venus: goddess of Love