Aife, a majestic queen from the Otherworld, was a formidable warrior in Scotland. Her fighting prowess paralleled that of Cuchulainn, the legendary Irish hero. Their paths crossed during a fleeting affair while Cuchulainn was being trained by Scathach on the Isle of Skye. However, upon returning to Ireland to marry his true love, Emer, Cuchulainn…
Renenutet, also known as Renenet or Ernutet, was a formidable deity revered in ancient Egyptian culture as the embodiment of nature’s bounty. Frequently referred to as the “Lady of Fertile Fields” and the “Lady of Granaries,” she was also recognized as a Cobra Goddess, dubbed the “Nourishing Snake,” symbolizing sustenance and harvest. Artistic representations of…
Eris: The Goddess of Discord Eris, the embodiment of strife and discord, is a notable figure in Greek mythology. Often associated with the tumult of warfare, she took pleasure in chaos and carnage. Eris stands out as the only deity excluded from the wedding of Peleus and Thetis due to her contentious nature. Angered by…
Heracles, one of the most renowned figures in Greco-Roman mythology, is known for his incredible feats and strength. He was the offspring of Zeus and Alcmene, who was a descendant of Perseus. According to legend, Zeus declared that the next male hailed from the lineage of Perseus would rule Greece. However, due to the machinations…
After enduring years of political turmoil, civil strife, and the assassinations that led to the fall of the Roman Republic, Ancient Rome experienced a period of notable peace and stability referred to as the Pax Romana, which means “Roman Peace.” This transformative era began in 27 B.C. with Augustus emerging as the first Roman emperor…
The tale of Orpheus and Eurydice serves as a poignant reminder of love’s fragility and the inevitability of death, a theme highlighted in an intriguing myth regarding ancient Roman generals, who were reportedly reminded of mortality with the phrase “Memento Mori.” While the knowledge of our mortality is universally acknowledged, coming to terms with it…
Roman Religion: An Overview of Beliefs and Practices Roman religion encompassed the beliefs and rituals of the inhabitants of the Italian peninsula, spanning from ancient times until the rise of Christianity in the 4th century CE, and is often referred to in the context of Classical antiquity. Cicero, a notable orator and politician of the…
Neith: The Creator Goddess of Ancient Egypt We are excited to announce that expert Egyptologist, Dr. Edward Scrivens, from The Egypt Exploration Society, will be joining us for our enchanting 14-day journey titled “Queens and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt.” This tour will examine the legacies of influential women in ancient Egyptian culture and power. Dr.…
Situated adjacent to the Portico di Ottavia within the Jewish quarter, the remnants of a temple devoted to Apollo, known as Apollo Sosiano, are visible close to the Theatre of Marcellus. This temple was constructed between 433 and 431 BC as a dedication to Apollo Medicus—God of Healing—during a time of plague. It earned its…
Hera, known as Juno in Roman mythology, stands as the wife of Zeus and commands her stature as the queen among the pantheon of ancient Greek deities. She embodies the ideal of womanhood, acting as the goddess of marriage, family, and a guardian for women during childbirth. Although fiercely loyal to Zeus, Hera is infamous…