Roman Mythology
-
This week features a dual episode where Isaac Roberts and Patrick Brewer delve into the significant role of one of the most crucial Hellenic deities in Rome—Apollo. How did a Greek god manage to integrate into Roman traditions? Let’s examine Apollo’s representation in Rome, both in terms of physical structures and conceptual significance. The concept…
-
The Abduction of Proserpina: A Roman Interpretation Greek and Roman Names – Greek: Περσεφονη (Persephonê) – Roman: Proserpina – Underworld Gods: Ἁιδης (Hades) / Pluto, Dis The tale of the abduction of Proserpina, known as “The Rape of Proserpina,” offers a Roman perspective on the story of Proserpina, the goddess of spring, who was abducted…
-
Bacchus: The Enigmatic God of Wine An Introduction to Bacchus Bacchus is widely celebrated as the god of wine, fertility, and merriment, enthralling generations with his myths and allure. This deity’s stories are deeply rooted in ancient culture, and his influence continues to echo through time. Let’s explore the rich tapestry of Bacchus and reveal…
-
Roman religion, or Roman mythology, encompasses the beliefs and practices of the inhabitants of the Italian peninsula from ancient times until the rise of Christianity in the 4th century CE, during an era referred to as Classical antiquity. The orator and politician Cicero suggested that the Romans had a distinct wisdom that led them to…
-
Roman Religion: Beliefs, Practices, and Historical Insights Roman religion, also referred to as Roman mythology, encapsulates the beliefs and practices of the inhabitants of the Italian peninsula from ancient times until Christianity’s rise in the 4th century CE. This era, known as Classical antiquity, showcases a rich tapestry of religious thought. Cicero, a prominent orator…
-
Bacchus, the Roman deity symbolizing wine and merriment, stands out as one of the most multifaceted gods in mythology. Known for his ability to bring joy and revelry, Bacchus also harbored a darker side, with the power to drive those who wronged him into a state of madness. His Greek counterpart, Dionysus, is similarly revered…
-
Janus, a distinct figure in ancient Roman mythology, serves as the deity of doors and transitions. He symbolizes the pivotal moments between what was and what is yet to come, existing in the liminal space that signifies change. Ancient Romans recognized the necessity of divine beings for various aspects of life, including Poseidon overseeing the…
-
Recent research has uncovered fascinating details about a set of exquisite and practical medical instruments utilized by Roman surgeons approximately 2,000 years ago. A team from the University of Exeter in the UK employed advanced scanning technology to study six surgical artifacts, which comprise a bronze scalpel handle, two surgical probes, two needles, and a…
-
Hercules: The Myth of the Struggling Hero Hercules, a notable figure in mythology, was not a god but a mortal born to a complex lineage. His father, Zeus, held dominion over the Greek pantheon, while his mother, Alcmene, was the granddaughter of Perseus, the famed slayer of Medusa, another of Zeus’s offspring. The constellation named…
-
Pomona, also known as Pompona, stands as the Roman goddess symbolizing abundance, with a focus on fruit-bearing trees, gardens, and orchards. Regarded as a minor deity, her symbol was the pruning knife. Some narratives even portray her as a wood nymph rather than a traditional goddess. Historical Background As a uniquely Roman entity, Pomona presided…
