1. Roman Mythology
SOL WHI.6

2. Purpose of Roman Mythology
As with Greek Mythology, Roman mythology was a polytheistic religion (worship of many gods)
Roman mythology helped people explain natural phenomena, human qualities, and life events
Romans worshipped spirits that were believed to live in natural features and places

3. Jupiter “God of all Gods”
Equivalent to the Greek God Zeus
Most powerful of all gods and goddesses
Supreme ruler of all Roman Mythology

4. Juno Equivalent to the Greek goddess Hera Married to Jupiter (Zeus)
Queen of the gods
Also known as the goddess of marriage

5. Apollo Same name as in Greek mythology God of poetry and music
Son of Jupiter

6. Diana
Equivalent to the Greek goddess and twin sister of Apollo, Artemis
As with Greek mythology, she was the goddess of the hunt

7. Minerva Equivalent to the Greek goddess Athena
Also known as the goddess of wisdom and war/peace
She was Jupiter’s favorite child

8. Venus Equivalent to the Greek goddess Aphrodite
As with Greek mythology, she was the goddess of love and beauty

9. Summary of Roman Mythology
Very similar to Greek mythology
Roman mythological symbols and images were commonly found in literature, art, monumental architecture, and politics
Overall, as with the Greeks, the Romans looked to their gods and goddesses to direct them down the right path