Roman mythology: basics

In short: Roman mythology adopted many Greek gods under new names but also developed its own figures and legends about the founding of Rome. Jupiter, Mars and Venus are among the most important gods.

In more detail: The Romans merged their own deities early on with Greek models.

In detail

• Main gods: Jupiter (Zeus), Juno (Hera), Mars (Ares), Venus (Aphrodite), Minerva (Athena), Neptune (Poseidon).
• Founding legend: Romulus and Remus, suckled by a she-wolf, founded Rome.
• Aeneas: Trojan hero, ancestor of the Romans according to Virgil’s Aeneid.
• Vestal Virgins: Priestesses of the goddess Vesta, guardians of the sacred fire.
• Differences: Roman gods were more strongly tied to the state and duty.
• Legacy: Month names such as January (Janus) or March (Mars) come from this.
• Comparison: Close parallels to Greek mythology (griechische-mythologie-grundlagen, antike-hochkulturen-mesopotamien-indus-china).