The Legacy of Ra: Ancient Egypt’s Sun God Ra, often referred to as Re, is an integral figure among the deities of ancient Egyptian religion, embodying the sun and vital life force. As one of the earliest gods in the Egyptian pantheon, Ra eventually merged identities with other strong deities such as Horus (Ra-Horakhty, the…
Jupiter, recognized as the principal deity within ancient Roman and Italian mythologies, shares etymological roots with the Greek god Zeus, both deriving from the word meaning “bright.” Among his several titles, Lucetius, which signifies “Light-Bringer,” illustrates his association with illumination, while the phrase sub Iove suggests his dominion over the heavens and open skies. Notably,…
Venus, an ancient Italian deity linked to farmland and gardens, was later associated by Romans with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The famous marble statue, Venus de Milo, created around 150 BCE, is housed at the Louvre in Paris. Initial worship of Venus in Rome was virtually non-existent. Notably, the scholar Marcus Terentius Varro…
Overview of Jupiter in Roman Mythology Jupiter, known as Iuppiter in Latin, held the esteemed position of the paramount god within the Roman and Latin pantheon, overseeing the skies, weather, and the principles of order and state governance. His characterization closely aligns with the Greek god Zeus, revealing a shared lineage in mythology and iconography,…
In a recent exchange with an individual in England about Dionysian themes, I shared my perspective on worshipping Dionysos. This prompted an intriguing response: he expressed an aversion to worship in any form. This led me to consider how we define worship. Upon explaining that for me, worship signifies a deep expression of love, gratitude,…
Mithraea, often referred to as temples, shrines, caves, or spelaea, are structures that were dedicated to the worship of Mithras and his followers. Iconic Mithraea Locations Across Europe London Mithraeum: This site has been accurately contextualized and relocated to its original position in 2016. Often known as the Walbrook Mithraeum, it draws significant interest. Mithraeum…
The ancient Egyptian pantheon featured a diverse array of deities, each closely integrated into the daily lives of the people. The gods and goddesses fulfilled specific roles associated with key aspects of existence such as death, birth, seasonal changes, agriculture, and luck. The Egyptians engaged in worship practices that included offering reverence and sacrifices to…