What they imagined 2. Mount Olympus What we see today

Part 1: Ye Old Gods The Roman Religion: AKA – Wait…why are we worshipping them again?

Basic Info: - The Roman religion was a mix of borrowed traditions from the Etruscans and Greeks. 1. Various early sources 2. Etruscans 2. Greeks (Religious Practices) (Gods and Myths) 3. Latins (i.e. Romans)

Differences between the Romans and Greek gods 1. The Romans possessed some uniquely Italian and Etruscan gods Janus (Two-faced god) Manes, Lares, Pentantes (Ancestor spirits and household gods) 2. Roman gods were nicer and more honorable than Greek gods - Baucis and Philemon Myth - Saturn

Roman myths borrowed heavily from Greek myths Thus…As a result Roman myths borrowed heavily from Greek myths For example: The works of Homer, a legendary Greek poet, were a huge influence. The Iliad- Describes Achilles’ wrath during the mythic Trojan War. -Mostly about honor and war The Odyssey: Describes Ulysses’ attempt to return home and retake his kingdom after the Trojan War. Mostly about being a good guest and host. (seriously, half the book is eating and partying)

THE AENEID Fanfiction Done Right Roman authors loved Greek myths sooo much that they wrote their own… Case in point: THE AENEID Tells the story of Aeneas, son of Venus, and his escape from the destruction of Troy to the settlement of refugees in Latium, Italy. Mostly a propaganda piece It plays up the rule of the Augustus (the first emperor). Gives justification for Roman conquests Pushes for a return to the old religion practices

The Problem: Magister Editorial The problem of adopting the Greek gods is that… THEY WERE AWEFUL, UNCARING, PETTY, BORDED, LECHEROUS, VINDICTIVE, ARROGANT, OBSESSED, NARISSISTIC, immortal anthropomorphic monsters. Roman writers occasionally wrote or recorded stories that portray the gods in a better light than the Greeks but… …the worship of such frightening gods eventually became unappealing for some Romans and farcical superstitions for the educated.

A Unique Roman Practice Final Note: A Unique Roman Practice The Vestal Virgins - These 4-6 women were given privileges not found elsewhere in this historical context. Girls admitted to the college would: take a vow of celibacy under the pain of death tend the sacred fire of Vesta In return… they could leave at the age of 30 wield great respect in all aspects of Roman life front row seats at the Colosseum