Ancient Roman Mythology

By: Natasha Bernstein

Ancient Romanmythology

• Originally rooted into spiritual beliefs
• Animism

• Developed into gods & goddesses

Origin of Ancient Roman religion

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

Greek influence

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

Concept

Pontiffs

Haruspexs

Augurs

Flamens

Vestal Virgins

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ICON 3

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ICON 2

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ICON 1

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

The hierarchy of ancient roman religion:

Religous influence on society

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

Pontiffs

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

Haruspexs

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

Augurs

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

Flamens

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

The vestal Virgins

Sacred texts?

Main Gods

Main beliefs

Religion in the household

Main beliefs

the powerful deities that ruled the ancient romans lives

The gods

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

How mythology answered their questions

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

Worship and daily practices

Animal Sacrifice

The Rain Ceremony

The Festival of Mars

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

Magical Thinking

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

Death in Ancient Rome

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

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

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

Pagan Rome vs Judaism

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

Fall of the Roman Empire

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

Rise of Christianity

Thank you!

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

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

References for images