Ancient Roman Mythology

By: Natasha Bernstein

Ancient Romanmythology

Origin of Ancient Roman religion

• Originally rooted into spiritual beliefs
• Animism

• Developed into gods & goddesses

Greek influence

• Greeks located in the lower peninsula
• Influenced the Ancient Roman's
• Ancient Rome sees these influences in its culture, architecture, and religion

Concept

• Rituals more valued
• Worshipping taken seriously
• Myths and gods were influenced by nations around them
• Greek influence
• Latin tribe's influence

Religous influence on society

Vestal Virgins

The hierarchy of ancient roman religion:

Flamens

• Religion infiltrated every aspect of their lives
• Part of how their society functioned
• Played a role in politics

Augurs

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ICON 1

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ICON 2

ICON 3

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Haruspexs

Pontiffs

Pontiffs

• Created the yearly calendar
• Included festivals, holidays, and religious events
• Occupation for their whole lives

Haruspexs

• Priests
• Forsaw the future
• Oracle
• Studied entrails of animals

Augurs

• Spreading the word of the gods
• Studying omens
• Interpreting dreams

Flamens

• Priests dedicated to a specific god
• Led prayers
• In charge of specific temples

The vestal Virgins

• Guardians of luck
• Prevented trouble
• Could free a slave by touch
• Kept Vesta's fire burning
• Influenced the people

Sacred texts?

Main Gods

Main beliefs

Main beliefs

Religion in the household

The gods

the powerful deities that ruled the ancient romans lives

How mythology answered their questions

How was the universe formed?How did we get here?Who created us?

Worship and daily practices

• Temples for each diety
• Home of the gods
• Sacrifice - normaly food

Animal Sacrifice

The Rain Ceremony

The Festival of Mars

Magical Thinking

• Ceremonies included: spells, charms, hexes
• Amulets
• Use of magic was common

Death in Ancient Rome

• Dead affected the lives of the living
• Offerings
• Gifts
• Celebrations

Pagan Rome vs Judaism

- Creation of universe- Deity is seperate from humans - Tradition oriented - Holidays - Moral teachings

- The gods were indifferent towards humanity- Strive for a rewarded afterlife - No longer practiced

- Jews were God's choosen people - God was moral and loving to all - Afterlife isn't an important aspect of the religion

Fall of the Roman Empire

• The Rise of Christianity
• Completely different from the polytheisitc religion the romans participated in
• Invasion of other tribes
• Financial trouble
• Economic issues

Rise of Christianity

• Emperor Constantine granted Christianity a valid religion
• Christianity was soon embraced
• Became the nations religion
• To this day, Roman Catholics are the dominant religion

Thank you!

References

1. C., F. (2021, January 7). Roman Religion: The Origin of Roman Mythology. History Cooperative. https://historycooperative.org/roman-religion-origin-of-roman-mythology/
2. Hays, J. (n.d.). ANCIENT ROMAN RELIGION | Facts and Details. Facts and Details. Retrieved June 20, 2021, from http://factsanddetails.com/world/cat55/sub350/item2318.html
3. National Geographic Society. (2018, July 6). The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Rome. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/gods-and-goddesses-ancient-rome/#:%7E:text=The%20Roman%20Empire%20was%20a,Christianity%2C%20Romans%20honored%20multiple%20deities.
4. Principal Beliefs. (n.d.). Ancient Roman Religion. Retrieved June 20, 2021, from https://ancientromanreligion.weebly.com/principal-beliefs.html
5. Wasson, D. L. (2021, June 18). Roman Religion. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Religion/

References for images

1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/nature-worship
2. https://brewminate.com/the-college-of-pontiffs-priests-in-ancient-rome/
3. https://www.mediastorehouse.com/
4. https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/736622/view/roman-augurs-and-oracle-illustration
5. https://www.thoughtco.com/ancient-roman-priests-116638
6. https://www.worldhistory.org/Vesta/
7. https://www.sightseeingtoursitaly.com/tips-articles/what-were-the-duties-vestal-virgins/
8. https://www.ancienthistorylists.com/rome-history/top-10-religion-practices-ancient-rome/
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lares
10. https://www.pngitem.com/middle/wwxTRh_ram-animal-png-bighorn-sheep-drawing-transparent-png/
11. https://shirleytwofeathers.com/The_Blog/pagancalendar/the-feriae-marti/
12. https://historycollection.com/10-greek-and-roman-trials-for-magic-and-witchcraft-you-probably-havent-heard-of/
13. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Vanimo