The Influence Of Ancient Roman Mythology

To the Romans their myths were more than just stories, they were moral tales that helped the Romans understand the universe. Roman mythology shaped many aspects of the roman’s daily lives. The Roman’s prayed to their gods every day. Why were the ancient Roman’s so consumed and influenced by their mythology? Many historians believe they were because the gods reflected needs in their daily lives. There are twelve major gods, Jupiter and Juno, Neptune and Minerva, Mars and Venus, Apollo and Diana, Vulcan and Vesta, and, Mercury and Ceres.

According to ancient Roman myth, Jupiter was the king of all the gods. Jupiter had two brothers and three sisters. When Saturn, their father, died, the boys Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto divided the world up between themselves. Jupiter took all of the heavens, Neptune took the sea, and Pluto took the underworld. Each was quite content with their selection. Jupiter had more powers than anyone. Jupiter could throw his voice, and sound like anybody. He could shape shift, and look like anybody. In fact, he was so good at shape shifting that he could shape shift into the form of an animal. He could throw lightning bolts. His flying horse, Pegasus, carried his lightning bolts for him. Neptune was the Lord of the Sea. Neptune was very powerful. He could raise his hand and a new island would appear! People were terrified of Neptune, especially those who lived in coastal towns. The ancient built temples to honor Neptune. They brought special gifts to the temple every day, hoping to keep him happy. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it
Neither of these goddesses had temples nor people who worshipped them. Unlike some gods who are not as major as Jupiter, Neptune, or Pluto like Apollo who was Jupiter's son and god of the sun or Minerva who was the goddess of