Understanding Bellona: The Roman Goddess of War Before the establishment of Christianity as the leading faith in the Roman Empire during the mid-4th century, Roman society was marked by polytheism, where a multitude of gods were venerated, accompanied by various festivals and sacrificial rites held throughout the year. This belief system prioritized the veneration of…
Overview A prominent figure in the Egyptian pantheon, Geb was revered as the god of the earth, associated with elements such as snakes, earthquakes, and the afterlife. As the third sovereign of Egypt after Ra and Shu, Geb’s significance in matters of kingship and royal authority was profound. Artistic representations, such as a relief fragment…
The Roman Temple of Évora stands out as one of the most significant and well-preserved relics from ancient Rome in the Iberian Peninsula. This remarkable structure earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986 and serves as a prestigious emblem of the city, representing its rich Roman heritage. Visiting this temple, commonly misidentified as the…
In Roman mythology, Vesta is revered as the goddess of the hearth, paralleling the Greek deity Hestia. Given the early Roman community’s struggle for a reliable source of fire, the perpetual hearth flame acquired immense significance, both in domestic and civic life. From ancient times, Vesta held a vital position in worship, celebrated within households…
Greek mythology encompasses the tales surrounding the deities, heroes, and customs of ancient Greece, and it prevailed throughout Classical antiquity. Although figures like the philosopher Plato during the 5th to 4th centuries BCE recognized that these myths featured substantial fictional elements, most Greeks regarded them as genuine narratives. The impact of Greek mythology has been…
This week, I decided to delve back into the rich history of Ancient Egypt, the theme of this blog! With my final two entries, I’ll explore my favorite region (Egypt) along with my favorite deity (hint revealed next week!). In this post, I would like to introduce you to the formidable Sekhmet. Names: Sekhmet, Sakhmet,…
Insights into Ancient Egyptian Religion Defining Ancient Egyptian Religion Ancient Egyptian religion encompasses the indigenous beliefs that flourished in Egypt from as early as the 4th millennium BCE until the eventual decline of traditional practices around the first centuries CE. This belief system was intricately woven into the fabric of Egyptian civilization, particularly during the…
Neptune, a prominent figure in Roman mythology, was revered as the deity of the sea, freshwater, earthquakes, and horses. He parallels the Greek god Poseidon and played a vital part in the religious practices of the Roman populace. Often illustrated as an older man with a beard, Neptune is typically seen wielding a trident, his…
The Splendor of the Bennu: A Glimpse into Ancient Egyptian Mythology The image of the Bennu, often equated with the mythical phoenix, holds a paramount position in the tapestry of ancient Egyptian religion and symbolism. Recognized for its association with rebirth and the dawn, the Bennu Bird was seen as an emblem of resurrection and…
Horus: Discovering the Legacy of the Egyptian Falcon Deity The mythological landscape of ancient Egypt is intricate and vibrant, populated with numerous deities and significant symbolism. Among these, Horus, the god with a falcon’s head, stands out as one of the most powerful and respected. This article explores the mythology surrounding Horus, focusing on his…