1. Roman Gods Virgil’s Aeneid

2. Jupiter (Zeus) Originally sky spirit – important in agriculture Lost rustic background and became chief god, defender of city and state Powerful, middle-aged, bearded Jupiter more dignified than Zeus Used thunderbolt to warn and punish

3. Juno (Hera) Originally goddess of light Responsible for childbirth, marriage and other female concerns Looked after birth rate of nation With Jupiter, co-guardian of her people Depicted as young and beautiful women, but also dignity of Roman matron

4. Mars (Ares) Second in importance to Jupiter Originally agricultural March his month As empire became important to Romans he became god of war Never completely lost farming role Father of the state – features in the story of Romulus and Remus Different to Ares who had no loyalty to any side in war

5. Vesta (Hestia) Personified fire – domestic fire used for cooking, warmth and religious ceremonies Every home honoured her every day Honoured in a state cult – Vestal Virgins who tended the state fire Tales of Hestia do not match Hera Truly Roman figure

6. Minerva (Athene) Patron of crafts and commerce Never as important as the Greek Athene

7. Neptune (Poseidon) Originally a fresh water god Under Greek influence identified with the God of the sea Less significant role than Poseidon – most Romans dry land people Not as much personality as Poseidon

8. Diana (Artemis) Spirit of woods and mountains Original mysterious cult submerged by Greek Artemis – goddess of woods and mountains Depicted as beautiful young woman in a short tunic or gown, carrying bow and arrow

9. Venus (Aphrodite) Spirit of springtime This association led to her being merged with Greek Goddess of love and feminine beauty Straight laced Romans less enthusiastic about bad example of numerous love affairs Good luck Cult took after when linked to Aeneas Claimed ancestress of Julius Caesar Portrayed as beautiful young woman often in nude Accompanied by son – god of love (Eros or Cupid)

10. Mercury (Hermes) God of commerce and trade First appeared as Roman God around fifth century BC as trade developed at Rome By Augustus’ time very important to businessmen Thought of as low-class Depicted as young man with wide brimmed hat, sandals and little else

11. Vulcan (Hephaistos) One of oldest Roman Gods God of fire Patron of metal crafts Lacked personality and mythology