Roman World
by Matthew Webb, University of Maryland
Gods and Goddesses
The ancient Roman people had a polytheistic religion, which means that they believed in many gods. When we discuss the gods and goddesses of ancient cultures, we are talking about figures from mythology. Do you know what mythology is? Take a stab at writing a definition below, and then scroll down to see Testudo's definition!
A myth is a fantastic popular belief or story used to explain mysteries and wonders of the world, and to express fear, curiosity, and amazement. This popular belief often has religious ties.
The ancient Roman gods and goddesses were each in charge of some part or function of the earth, such as the sun, the sea, or farming. Interestingly, they looked just like humans, and they even had the same wants and needs as humans! Before we learn more about the gods and goddesses, please answer these two questions:
1. Why do you think the Romans had gods and goddesses?
2. Were the Roman deities (another word for gods and
goddesses) similar or different to our concept of God?
Now let's learn about the fourteen
most important deities of ancient Rome! When you see the pictures,
think about what the symbols of each god are, and think about
what he or she might be in charge of. After you've looked at the
pictures, click on the name of the god or goddess to find the
answers.
Before you begin, click here to open a worksheet in another window. As you learn the names, symbols, and domains (what the gods are in charge of) for each god or goddess, fill the information in on your worksheet. Then you can print it out and save it!
Jupiter is the king of the gods. He is also in charge of rain, thunder, and storms. His symbols are the lightning bolt and the eagle.
Juno is the queen of the gods. She is also the goddess of marriage. Her symbols are the peacock and a crown.
Apollo is the god of music, poetry, sunlight, and prophecy (the ability to predict the future). His symbol is the golden lyre, which is a kind of musical instrument shown in the picture.
Bacchus is the god of wine and drama. His symbols are a cluster of grapes and a wine cup.
Ceres is the goddess of agriculture (farming). Her symbols are the wheatseed and the cornucopia. In this picture, she (on the left) is being given wheatseeds.
Diana is the goddess of the moon and hunting. Her symbols are a deer, a bow, and a quiver.
Mars is the god of war. His symbols are the vulture, the spear, and hunting dogs.
Mercury is the messenger of the gods. He is also the god of trading and thievery. His symbols are the winged cap, winged sandals, and the caduceus, which is a staff with two snakes wrapped around it.
Minerva is the goddess of wisdom, crafts, and war. Her symbols are armor (for war) and the owl (for wisdom).
Neptune is the god of the sea and earthquakes. His symbols are the trident (a three-pronged spear), horses, and dolphins.
Pluto is the god of the Underworld. His symbols are the cap of invisibility, a black chariot, and black horses.
Venus is the goddess of love and beauty. Her symbol is the seashell (because she was born from a seashell).
Vesta is the goddess of the home, and the tender of the sacred flame, which is said to protect the city of Rome. Her symbols are the eternal flame, and the Vestal Virgins. The Vestal Virgins were given the task of making sure that the sacred flame never went out.
Vulcan is the blacksmith of the gods. He is also the god of metalworking, the forge, weapons, and volcanoes. His symbols are the forge and the anvil.
Now that you've learned all about the gods and goddesses, here are a few fun activities for you to try!
- Print out this crossword puzzle and complete it. This will help you to remember the symbols and domains of the gods and goddesses.
- Print out this worksheet and complete it. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate Roman name for each deity. Try to identify the deities based on their symbols.
- Draw your favorite god or goddess! Works best in Internet Explorer.
Congratulations, you have finished the first lesson!
