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After enduring a tumultuous period marked by political instability, civil conflicts, and the assassination of key figures, the Roman Republic ultimately fell, giving way to an era of significant peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana, or “Roman Peace.” This phase commenced with Augustus ascending as the first emperor of Rome in 27 B.C.…
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Mercury and Its Mythological Significance Mercury stands out as the smallest planet in our solar system and also holds the distinction of being the closest planet to the Sun. Its orbital revolution around the Sun takes merely 88 days, which makes it the fastest-moving planet in our celestial neighborhood. Its visibility as a bright object…
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The Significance of Tlachtga in Celtic Meath Situated a mere twelve miles from Tara, the ancient ceremonial site known as Tlachtga, or the Hill of Ward, served as a pivotal center of Celtic religious worship over two millennia ago. Despite its historical importance, Tlachtga often lingers in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, Tara,…
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Zeus: The Supreme Olympian God Zeus, traditionally known as Jupiter or Jove, holds the prominent title of King of the Gods, governing the sky, weather, order, destiny, and fate. Often represented as a stately man with a robust physique and a dark beard, his iconic symbols include a lightning bolt, a regal scepter, and an…
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Mors, the ancient Roman god associated with death, is sometimes referred to as Letum or Orcus. His presence in mythology is often aligned with the Greek deity Thanatos and the Etruscan god Charun. Although not widely honored, Mors holds a unique place in the pantheon of Roman mythology. In artistic representations, Mors is characterized by…
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of around 30,000 pieces of ancient Egyptian art, spanning from approximately 300,000 BCE to the 4th century CE. A notable portion of this collection is the result of the museum’s three decades of archaeological endeavors in Egypt, which began in 1906 due to a rising interest…
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Roman Religion: Beliefs and Practices in Classical Antiquity Roman religion, also known as Roman mythology, embodies the beliefs and practices of those inhabiting the Italian peninsula from ancient times until the rise of Christianity in the 4th century. According to Cicero, a prominent orator and politician, the Romans distinguished themselves with a unique wisdom that…
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Greek mythology predates Roman beliefs, yet the two share similar deities, including Hestia from Greek tradition and her Roman equivalent, Vesta. Both goddesses preside over the hearth, symbolizing the warmth and safety of the home. Born to Rhea and Kronos, Vesta, like Hestia, was swallowed by her father. In an interesting twist of fate, she…
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The Crocodile Deity Sobek The deity Sobek, often recognized for his distinct appearance, is a prominent figure within the Egyptian pantheon. Represented either as a man with a crocodile’s head or as a full crocodile, Sobek’s influence was closely tied to the Nile River. According to one legend, the river itself was formed from his…
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Zeus, the foremost god in ancient Greek mythology, occupied a predominant role as a deity of the sky and weather. His identity closely parallels that of the Roman god Jupiter. The etymology of his name may derive from the ancient Hindu deity Dyaus, known from the sacred texts of the Rigveda. Revered as the orchestrator…
