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The Roman Empire The Roman Empire was the post republican period of ancient characterized by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The 500-year-old roman Republic, which preceded it, had been destabilized through a series of civil wars. Several events marked the transition from republic to empire, including Julius Caesar’s appointment as perpetual dictator (44 BC); the battle of the honorific Augustus to Octavian by the Roman Senate (16 January 27 BC). The First two centuries of the Empire were a period of unprecedented stability and prosperity know as the Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”). It reached its greatest expense during the reign of Trajan (98-177 AD). In the 3rd century, the empire underwent a crisis that threatened its existence, but was reunified and stabilized under the emperors Aurelian and Diocletian. Because of the Empire’s vast and long endurance, the insulations and culture of Rome had a profound and lasting influence on the development language, religion, architecture, philosophy, law, and forms of governmen, Particularly Europe.
Roman Gladiators The word 'gladiator comes from the Latin word for sword, gladius, so it literally means a swordsman. The best way to get a man to fight to the death is to use a man who has nothing to lose, which is why slaves, criminals, and prisoners-of-war were ideal for the job. If a man was really good, he might keep winning and get his freedom. Thousands of men and women were killed in combat or by animals for the entertainment of the people. Slaves weren't the only gladiators. Some freemen (ordinary Romans) volunteered too.
What did the Romans call London? The Romans called London 'Londinium'. The River Thames was quick way to transport goods between Britain and the Continent. The Romans saw this and built the town of Londinium around the river's main crossing point. How long did the Romans stay in Britain? The Romans remained in Britain from 43 AD to 410 AD. That is almost four hundred years (four centuries). Why did the Romans leave Britain? Their homes in Italy were being attacked by fierce tribes and every soldier was needed.
The Roman Gave us? • LanguageThe language we used today was developed from the Romans. The Romans spoke and wrote in Latin and many of our words are based on Latin words. • The CalendarDid you know that the calendar we use today is more than 2,000 years old? It was started by Julius Caesar, a Roman ruler. It is based on the movement of the earth around the sun, and so is called the 'solar calendar.' The solar calendar has 365 days a year, and 366 days every leap year, or every fourth year. The names of our months are taken from the names of Roman gods and rulers. The month 'July,' in fact, is named after Julius Caesar himself! • Laws and a legal systemThe laws and ways we determine what to do with someone who is accused of breaking a law came originally from the Roman Empire. • The CensusThe Roman Empire was huge and included millions of people living over a large area. How did they keep track of all these people? Easy! They counted them! The Roman Empire began the practice of taking a census, or a 'count,' of all the people within its boundaries every so often. Today, many countries like ours take a census every 10 years. The Romans also gave us: • straight roads, central heating, concrete, aqueducts (bridges for water).
Who found Rome? According to the Roman legend, Romulus was the founder of Rome. Romulus and his twin brother Remus were the sons of the God Mars. When they were very young they were abandoned by the banks of the River Tiber and left to fend for themselves. Luckily for them they were found by a she-wolf who took pity on them fed them with her milk. The boys were later found by a shepherd who raised them. The boys grew up to be very strong and clever and they decided to build a town on the spot where the Shepherd had found them. They named their town Rome.
Roman Mosaics Roman mosaics are perhaps the most spectacular Roman remains in Britain. Many of the finest come from Roman villas, where they reflect the high artistic tastes of the wealthy villa owners in the fourth century. Most are in colour, and many are figured, almost always with classical scenes. David Neal has been painting mosaics for many years in his capacity of chief illustrator of English Heritage, but following his retirement, he joined with Steve Cosh to produce a corpus in four volumes of all the known mosaics in the country. Between them they set out to paint them all by hand: many of them are only known from oblique black-and-white photos, but by drawing them, and restoring the original colours where these are known, it is possible to show just what they originally looked like. They hope to publish them in four volumes – providing they can find a suitable publisher.
Roman Temples During the Republican period (500-1 BC), Roman generals built hundreds of temples all over downtown Rome. These temples were mainly built to thank the gods for the generals' victories in war. They were built all along the sides of the Via Sacra (the Sacred Way) that the generals marched along when they came back to Rome to celebrate their victories. Again, most of these temples have been destroyed, but there are still a few of them around. Like the Egyptians, the West Asians, the Carthaginians, the Greeks and the Etruscans before them, the Romans built many temples for their gods. One of the first buildings we know of in Rome is the Capitoline Temple, which was built on top of the Capitoline Hill under the kings of Rome. It was a temple for three gods, Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. But that temple has been completely destroyed, and only little bits of the foundations are left today.
Roman Towns and Homes The Romans built towns all over Britain as centres to administer the people they had conquered. Veteran soldiers and Celtic Chieftains were rewarded with houses in the towns and would hold important jobs in the law courts or town councils. Roman towns were very organised, with straight streets and neat rows of buildings. The town plan might be based around a town forum - a large building often with an open courtyard that was used by the people of the town as a meeting place, a place to do business, discuss town matters and hold markets. This is an artists drawing of the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester, Hampshire). In the centre you can see the forum. The roads are laid out in a neat grid, and outside the town walls, there is the circular amphitheatre.
Colsseums When Vespasian became the new Roman Emperor in 69 AD, he wanted everyone to know that he cared about the people and was going to take care of them and not live luxuriously as Nero had. He tore down a lot of Nero's Golden House and made the land into a public park. Vespasian also used his share of the gold from the looting after the FistJewish Revolt to pay for the construction of a new amphitheater where the Golden House had been. Because Vespasian's architects used the new method of building in concrete, he was able to build quickly and cheaply. We call this amphitheater the Colosseum, after the giant statue of Nero that stood near it. But its ancient name was the Flavian Amphitheater. Building the amphitheater made Vespasian very popular in Rome.
What Was Britain like before Romans invaded Before the Romans invaded, Celts lived in Britain. There were lots of different tribes ruled by kings or chiefs. Chiefs often fought one another. A chief would lead his warriors into battle in chariots pulled by horses. For defence against enemies, they built forts on hilltops. These hill-forts had earth banks and wooden walls. In Celtic Britain there were no towns. Most people were farmers living in villages. They made round houses from wood and mud, with Thatched roofs. There were no roads. People travelled by boats on rivers, or along muddy paths. Some British Celts crossed the sea to trade with other Celts in the Roman Empire.
When Did The Romans Invade Romans owned Gaul (Gallia they called it). Today it's France. In 55 B.C. the Roman General Julius Caesar led his army across the sea from Gaul to Britain. He wanted to make Britain part of Rome's empire. The British Celts fought bravely, and Caesar soon went back to Gaul. Next year, in 54 BC the Romans came back. This time Caesar had 30.000 soldiers. They were surprised to see chariots. Romans stopped using chariots in battles. Caesar captured a Celtic hill-fort. Then, again, he went away. He did not think Britain was worth a long war, and he wanted to get back to Rome. Nearly a hundred years later, in AD 43, the Romans returned. Emperor Claudius sent an army to invade Britain. The army had four legions. This time the Romans conquered the southern half of Britain, and made it part of the Roman empire.
How did the British Fight back? Some Celts made friends with the Romans, in return for keeping their kingdoms. Their leaders were called 'client kings'. They agreed to obey Roman laws, and pay Roman taxes. One client king was Cogidumnus, the ruler of the Atrebates of southern Britain. The Roman palace at Fish Bourne (West Sussex) was probably built for him. He was a 'Roman Briton'. Other British leaders fought the Romans. At Maiden Castle (a hill-fort near Dorchester in Dorset) archaeologists found evidence of a battle which the Romans had won. Buried on the site were the skeletons of young men, some of which had cut marks of Roman swords on the bones. The best British leader was Caratacus, but he was beaten in A.D. 51. The Romans took him as a prisoner to Rome, but treated him well.
Where Is Rome Italy
Rome Rome is in Italy. Rome's history spans more than two and a half thousand years, since its founding in 753 BC, with the union of rural villages and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was the capital city of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, which was the dominant power in Western Europe and the lands bordering the Mediterranean for over seven hundred years from the 1st century BC until the 7th century AD and the city is regarded as one of the birthplaces of western civilization. Since the 1st century AD Rome has been the seat of the Papacy and, after the end of Byzantine domination, in the 8th century it became the capital of the Papal States, which lasted until 1870. In 1871 Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, and in 1946 that of the Italian Republic.
Roman Fun Facts Who founded Rome? According to the Roman legend, Romulus was the founder of Rome. Romulus and his twin brother Remus were the sons of the God Mars. When they were very young they were abandoned by the banks of the River Tiber and left to fend for themselves. Luckily for them they were found by a she-wolf who took pity on them fed them with her milk. The boys were later found by a shepherd who raised them. The boys grew up to be very strong and clever and they decided to build a town on the spot where the Shepherd had found them. They named their town Rome. When did the Romans invade Britain? First invasion - Caesar's first raid In August 55 B.C. (55 years before Jesus was born) the Roman general, EmperorJulius Caesar invaded Britain. He took with him two Roman legions. After winning several battles against the Celtic tribes (Britons) in south-east England he returned to France. Second invasion - Caesar's second raid The following summer (in 54 B.C.) Caesar came to Britain again landing at Walmer near Deal in Kent. This time he brought with him no fewer than five legions (30,000 foot soldiers) and 2,000 cavalrymen (horse riders). This time the Romans crossed the River Thames. After more fighting, the British tribes promised to pay tribute to Rome and were then left in peace for nearly a century.
Roman Marriages Youths married when the male was at least 14 and the female 12 years old. They could not be closely related. Even fourth cousins or relatives connected only through marriage would not be allowed to marry. Prior to the wedding ceremony consent was shown in a public place. This could be done by holding hands. An engagement ring was usually given. It was worn on the third finger of the left hand because the ancient Romans believed that a nerve ran from this finger directly to the heart. Women brought slaves, clothing, jewels, and furniture into the marriage. After marrying these items belonged to the husband. On the night before her wedding day the bride gave her bulla, birth locket to her father, and gave her toys to members of the family. The wedding dress was long. It was tied around the waist with a belt in the "knot of Hercules". Only the husband could untie the knot. A veil topped with a wreath of flowers was also worn. The ceremony was held at the bride's father's house. Guest were invited to witnesses the ceremony. The bride showed consent by holding hands during the ceremony. The bride also chanted the words "When and where you are Gaius, I then and there am Gaia." After the chant an offering was made to the god Jupiter. It was usually a cake. The cake was offered to Jupiter by the priest, then eaten by everyone. After the ceremony there was a dinner at the bride's house. After dinner the bride was escorted to the husband's house. Nuts were thrown during this procession. In front of the open door the bride once more recited the consent chant. The groom carried his bride over the threshold. The bride lit a fire inside with a "marriage" torch. The torch was then blown out and tossed among the guest.
Women Clothes What Clothes Did Women Where? Women Wore a longer tunic which was usually Angle-Foot. Over this the Women Wore stola which was a full length from neck to ankle, high- waisted and fastened at the shoulders with clasps. Rich Women Wore Long tunics which where made from expensive Silk or Cotton. They Also Wore a lot of Make-up and Jewellery, Strong scent and elaborate hairstyles They had specially trained slaves to help them dress. arrange their hair and put make up on their faces.
Men's Clothing Only men who were Roman citizens could wear a toga. They wore it when they wanted to look smart, like wearing a suit today. The toga was made from white wool or white Egyptian linen. It was square or rectangular in shape and was worn draped around the body. A tunic was always worn under a toga. Colours were used for special occasions or to show peoples rank. Only the Emperor was a allowed to wear a purple toga. Purple dye was very expensive and so by wearing the colour, an Emperor would be showing off how important he was.
Children’s Clothing Boys wore a tunic down to their knees and a cloak if it was cold. Rich Boys Wore a toga which had a purple border. Girls wore a tunic with a woollen belt tied around their waists. Children wore a special charm around their neck called a bulla. It was given to them when they were a few days old.
What did the Romans Eat? Their main food was pottage. Pottage is a kind of thick stew made from wheat, millet or corn. Sometimes they would add cooked meat, offal or a sauce made out of wine. Food for the common people consisted of wheat or barley, olive oil. a little fish, wine, home grown vegetables, and if they were lucky enough to own a goat or cow or chickens, cheese and a few eggs. As the Republic grew and the Empire expanded the Romans came into contact with food from other countries. They used herbs and spices to flavour their food and began eating more fish, especially shell fish. Vegetables were plentiful and most of the Roman's recipes included vegetables. They also ate a lot of fruit, especially grapes, and made wine. The Romans ate their food with their fingers. They used knives made from antlers, wood or bronze with an iron blade to cut their food. They also had spoons made from bronze, silver and bone which they used to eat eggs, shellfish and liquids. Breakfast - This would be eaten early, probably as soon as the sun rose and would include bread and fresh fruit. Lunch - Probably taken around noon. Lunch was only a small meal as it was thought a large meal would make one fall asleep in the afternoon. It would include some of the following - a little cooked meat - ham or salami, salad, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, vegetables and bread. Dinner - This would begin at about four in the afternoon and could continue into the night. The starter would be either a salad or dish of small fish. The main course of fish, cooked meat and vegetables would be served next. The dessert would consist of fresh fruit and cheese. Sometimes small cakes sweetened with honey would be served.
What was Roman entertainment? Roman Stadium The stadium (or circus) was used for chariot-racing. A stadium had a long rectangular enclosure, curved at one end, with seats all around except at the the end opposite the curve. Down the middle was the spine (spina), which the chariots hurtled around, lap after lap, trying to cut in front of each other. A stadium has been discovered at Colchester. This is the first and only stadium so far found in the UK. Rome had eight chariot stadiums. Chariot Racing Chariot-racing was a very popular sport all over the Roman Empire. Roman chariots were ultra lightweight and flimsy. There was just enough room for a man to stand on and hold the reins. In an accident, the chariot would fall to pieces in an instant and hurl the charioteer out. There were three main types of chariots: Two-horse chariots (biga) Three-horse chariot (triga) Four-horse chariot (quadra) Charioteers were usually slaves
Roman slaves! What was a typical day for a slave like? A slave’s day began very early in the morning, often before sunrise. There were many jobs to do around the house but often the first job was to fire up the hypocaust if the weather was cold. A slave's job around the house included: helping dress the family drying them after they have bathed cleaning a villa washing clothes preparing the day’s meals serving food and drink What jobs did slaves do outside the home? The hardest job for slaves was working down mines to mine silver, lead, tin and gold for their masters. It was back breaking and often a slave down the mine would not get to see sunlight for months at a time. Slaves living in the countryside worked on farms. Some slave who had a particular skill worked for example as weavers, accountants or tutor for their masters children.
Roman slaves Could a slave be set free? Many slaves were very fortunate to be freed after about thirty years of service. A person who was once a slave was called a 'freedman' or 'freewoman'. How could a slave get his/her freedom? A slave could only get their freedom if they were given it by their master or if they bought their freedom. The cost of freedom was same sum of money that their master had paid for them – a virtually impossible task as slaves did not earn money. Slaves could be men, women, boys or girls. If a slave married and had children, the children would automatically become slaves. How could a wealthy Roman get a slave? Slaves were sold at a slave market. A letter found from Roman London indicates that there was a slave market in the city. How much did a slave cost? The price of a slave depended on what they could do for their masters. A slave with a talent, skill or trade was more expensive especially if they could cook. Young men also cost more as they could work for their masters longer than an older slave.
Roman Slaves • How many slaves did a family have? • A wealthy Roman might have between 400 and 500 slaves. • What was life like for a slave? • Life was very hard for many slaves. In Roman law they were seen as property of their master. Slaves had no rights, they could be treated as good or as badly as their masters wished. • Some slaves were treated brutally, whilst others led a good life with masters who looked after them well. • What was a typical day for a slave like? • A slave’s day began very early in the morning, often before sunrise. There were many jobs to do around the house but often the first job was to fire up the hypocaust if the weather was cold. • A slave's job around the house included: • helping dress the family • drying them after they have bathed • cleaning a villa • washing clothes • preparing the day’s meals • serving food and drink
School Only children from wealthy families went to school. Poor families needed their children to help work. Schools were not free. Poor families could not pay the tuition. Often children from poor families were taught by their parents at home. Some Roman families paid school masters to teach their children. The school year started on March 24. Schools were usually just one room. There were about twelve students in a class. Often the teachers were Greek slaves. The Romans thought the Greeks were smart. Children used wax tablets. They would scratch words or numbers in the wax with a pointed stick. Roman books were on rolls of paper called scrolls. Each end of the paper was attached to a rod. The reader had to unroll each page to read the book. People used small reeds to write on the scrolls. The ink was made from a kind of tar called pitch or from an octopus. School lasted until the children were about age 11. A few boys would continue to go to school, but girls went home to learn how to run a home. The boys of the wealthy class continued school. They attended a "grammar" school. There they learned Latin, Greek, grammar, and literature. At age 16 some boys continued their education. They attended classes to prepare as a a public speaker. Children of very wealthy families were taught at home by tutors.
Romans Toys • Toys • At the end of the school day children loved to play games. Roman children played with the following toys: • rattles • scooters • jump rope • yo-yos • seesaws • swings • kites • dolls made from wax or clay - Some had jointed legs and arms. • balls • board games • hobbyhorses • carts hitched to goats, ponies, or dogs • models of animals and people • hoops with pieces of metal on them like bells • stilts • weight lifting • The following games were also enjoyed: • tic-tac-toe • knucklebones - similar to jacks except with bones • boys played war with wooden swords • leapfrog • odd or even - One child held stones in a closed hand. The other guessed if the objects were an odd or even number.
Roman Pets Dogs were the most common pet. Other pets included birds, monkeys, and cats. Families In early Rome each family from children up to grandparents lived in one home. The head of the family was the oldest male. The head of the household had authority even over the grown members of the family. Women had no authority. The role of the woman was to take care of the children. During the first century A. D. family life changed. Women had more rights. Women could own land, run businesses, free slaves, make wills, be heirs, and get jobs.
Roman Gods and Goddesses Gods Goddesses • Jupiter • Neptune • Pluto • Cupid • Mars • Apollo • Mercury • Vulcan • Bacchus • Saturn • Janus • Juno • Diana • Minerva • Venus • Ceres • Proserpine • Vesta • Maia
Jupiter Jupiter Was King Of All Gods and Goddesses. The Eagle was his messenger. His Weapon was the thunderbolt (Thunder and lightning). All other gods where terrified of him, although he was a little scare of his wife Juno! Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto Where the Sons of Saturn. Jupiter Means Father Jove (Father in Latin is “pater”). There was a big temple on the Capital in Rome dedicated to Jupiter Optimus Maximus (Which means Jupiter Best and Greatest). The Romans thought that Jupiter Guarded their city and looked after them. Jupiter's day is Thursday. Jupiter's Family Tree Father: Saturn Wife: Juno Brothers: Neptune and Pluto And Many Children
Juno Juno Is the Queen of Gods and wife of Jupiter. She was the goddess of women and marriage. Her Bird Was the peacock. The Romans Believed that every man had a spirit that look after him all his life. This was called his Genius. Some people believed man had both good genius and a bad genius, Women didn’t have Genius, they had a Juno instead. The First day in each month (the Kalends) belonged to Juno. Juno's month is June. Juno's Family Tree. Husband: Jupiter Children: Mars and Vulcan
Neptune Neptune was the god of the sea. He carried a trident, which had three prongs. He rode a dolphin or a horse. When the sea is rough enough to show white tops of the waves, these are called sea horses. It may seem strange that Neptune was not a more important God. Since the Roman Empire Was based on the Mediterranean. But the Romans were poor sailors. When Julius Caesar invaded Britain, It was considered an astounding adventure, even though he was just crossing English Channel. Neptune was god of Earthquakes. He was called earth shaker. He was also god of horses and horse racing. Neptune's Family Tree Father : Saturn Grandson: Uranus Brother: Jupiter and Pluto Many Children
Pluto Pluto was god of death. Romans were scared to say his name because they where scared he would notice them and they would die. Pluto sometimes got confused with the Greek god, Plutus, The god wealth. This is not surprising, since the names sound a like, and also wealth, like gold, silver or jewels, are found underground, where Pluto ruled. The metal Plutonium is radio-active. It was discovered soon after the planet Pluto. It is not only used for nuclear bombs, it is deadly by itself. It deserves to belong to the god of Death!When someone died, they travelled down to the Underworld. First, they had to cross the River of the Dead, called the Styx. Pluto's family tree: Father: SaturnBrother: Jupiter, Neptune Husband of Proserpine
Apollo Apollo was god of the sun. Each day he drove his chariot of fiery across the sky to give light to the world. Apollo had a son called Phaethon, who was human. Phaethon nagged at Apollo to let him borrow the sun chariot and fly across the sky. Finally Apollo agreed. Phaethon proudly drove the sun chariot up into the sky, but then he lost control of the horses. The sun chariot dived towards the earth, burning everything. Finally Jupiter had to stop him with a thunder bolt. Apollo was also the god of music, and played the lyre. His solar system was the sun and his day of the week was Sunday. Apollo is a Greek name. His wonder of the world is Colossus at Rhodes. Family tree: Father: Jupiter Sister: Diana
Diana Diana was the goddess of the moon. Her twin brother Apollo was the god of the sun. Diana carried a bow and arrows. She was the goddess of hunting. Once she was bathing in a forest pool. A hunter called Actaeon spied on her. So Diana turned him into a stag and he was chased by his own hunting dogs. She helped women in child-birth, because her mother Leto gave birth to her and her twin brother so easily. Her day of the week was Monday Solar sytem is the Moon. Her Greek name is Artemis. Diana’s Family Tree: Father: Jupiter Brother: Apollo
Minerva Minerva was the goddess of wisdom. Her symbol was the owl. Her Greek name was Athene, and Athens was her city. She had a strange birth. One day, Jupiter had a bad headache. Nothing would cure it. Eventually Vulcan split open Jupiter's head. Out jumped Minerva in armour with shield and spear! Jupiter felt much better afterwards. Don't try this at home. Minerva was the goddess of arts and crafts. She was particularly good at weaving. Once a woman called Arachne wove a beautiful picture. Minerva tried to find something wrong with it. When she couldn't, she tore it up and turned Arachne into a spider. The spider still weaves beautiful webs. Minerva’s Family Tree Father: Jupiter
Mars Mars is god of war. The Romans were great soldiers and thought Mars, the god of War, was very important. They said that he was the father of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. When Romulus and Remus were babies, they were left to die. But they were found by a mother wolf, who suckled them. Romulus gave his name to Rome. The Campus Martius or field of Mars, was next to the river Tiber in in ancient Rome. It was used to train soldiers and hold horse races. March was called after Mars because that was when the soldiers started fighting again after winter. Mars’s Day of the week is Tuesday and his month is March. Mars’s Family Tree Father: Jupiter Son: Romulus and Remus
Venus Venus Is goddess of love. Venus was born in the sea and first came to shore at Cyprus, floating on a scallop shell. There was a Golden Apple with "For the Fairest" written on the side. Venus, Juno and Minerva all wanted it. They decided to let a man, Paris, judge between them. They were all so beautiful that he couldn't make his mind up. So Juno said she would make him powerful. Minerva said she would make him wise. Venus offered him Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world. He chose Venus, and Helen. Unfortunately Helen was married to someone else, and when Paris carried her off to his home at Troy, her husband came with his allies to get her back. Paris and all his family were killed and Troy was destroyed. One of the few Trojans to survive the Trojan War was Aeneas, the son of Venus. Venus’s day is Friday. Greek name Aphrodite. Solar System is Venus Venus’s Family Tree Father: Jupiter Son: Cupid
Cupid Cupid was god of love. Cupid was the mischievous little god of love. His weapon was a bow, and anyone hit by one of his arrows fell madly in love. Cupid once scratched himself with one of his own arrows by mistake. He was looking at a woman called Psyche, and fell in love with her. He knew that his mother Venus would be angry, so he hid Psyche away and told her that she must never try to look at him. Psyche thought that she had been captured by a hideous monster, and, of course, couldn't resist taking a peep. Venus’s Greek name is Eros. Cupid’s Family tree: Mother: Venus
Mercury Mercury was the god of travellers. He had a winged hat and sandals, so he could fly. He carried a staff which also has wings and two snakes winding round it. He was also the god of thieves. When he was only a few days old, he stole the cows of Apollo. Mercury made special shoes for the cows and made them walk backwards, so no-one could follow their tracks. Eventually Apollo noticed that Mercury was playing a new musical instrument called a lyre, strung with cow-gut and worked out that Mercury had stolen his cows. Apollo was furious with Mercury, but thought the lyre was wonderful. So they agreed that Mercury could keep the cows and Apollo would get the lyre. Mercury was also the god of science and business. I think that he's the god of the Internet as well! Merceries day of the week is Wednesday. Mercury's Greek name is Hermes. Mercury’s Family tree Father: Jupiter Mother: Maia
Ceres Ceres is goddess of earth and Corn. She carried the cornucopia, a horn full of vegetables and fruit. Her daughter was Proserpine. Pluto fell in love with Proserpine, and carried her off to the Underworld. Ceres searched everywhere, but couldn't find her. Eventually Ceres refused to let the plants grow any more, and everyone begun to die of hunger. Ceres’s Greek name is Demeter Ceres’s Family Tree: Daughter: Proserpine
Proserpine Proserpine is goddess of underworld. Her Greek name is Persephone. Pluto fell in love with Proserpine, and carried her off to the Underworld. Ceres searched everywhere, but couldn't find her. Eventually Ceres refused to let the plants grow any more, and everyone begun to die of hunger. So Pluto admitted he had Proserpine, but said she could only go back home if she had eaten none of the food of the Dead. Proserpine had eaten almost nothing, as she was so sad at being kept underground, but she had eaten six seeds from a pomegranate. This means that she could go home, but had to return to her husband for six months every year. When this happens, Ceres stops everything growing, and winter comes. Proserpine’s Family Tree: Husband: Pluto Mother: Ceres
Vulcan Vulcan was the smith of the gods, and made Jupiter's thunderbolts. His smithy was in the volcano Etna, in Sicily, where you can see fire from his forge. Once, he made Jupiter angry, and Jupiter threw him out of Heaven. Vulcan fell to Earth and broke both legs, which made him lame. This picture from a Greek vase shows him in a sort of winged wheel-chair. He made women of gold to help him in his smithy - possibly the first robots! Vulcan’s Greek name is Hephaestus and his English Word is Volcano. Vulcan’s Family tree: Father: Jupiter
Bacchus Bacchus was god of wine. He was accompanied by Maenads, or wild dancing women, see right. They carried the thyrsus, a staff of giant fennel, covered with ivy leaves, with a pine cone on top. There is a wonderful description of a Bacchanalia, or feast in honour of Bacchus, in Prince Caspian, one of the Narnia books, by C.S.Lewis. Bacchus was also the god of the theatre, since the first plays in Greece were performed in his honour. There were tragedies, serious stories about heroes and gods, and comedies, which laughed at politicians and were often very rude! Bacchus Greek name is Dionysos. Bacchus’s Family Tree: Father: Father.
Saturn Saturn is god of Time and his weapon was a scythe. He is called Old Father Time. Saturn ruled the gods before Jupiter. Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto were his children. They represent Air, Water and Death, the three things that Time cannot kill. The Romans had a mid-winter festival in honour of Saturn, called the Saturnalia. It lasted seven days, and there was much merrymaking. Public business was suspended and schools were closed. Parents gave toys to their children and there was a public banquet. That is why we eat so much at Christmas, give presents and go to parties. Saturn’s day of the week is Wednesday and his planet is Saturn. Greek name Cronos. English word Saturnine means serious and gloomy. Saturn’s family tree: Mother: Gaia Father : Uranus Sons: Jupiter Pluto Neptune
Vesta Vesta was the goddess of hearth, The centre of the roman home. She was quite a well-behaved goddess, who didn’t join in any arguments and fights of the other gods. She was protector of the sacred flame, which was Supposed to have been brought troy to Rome by a hero Aeneus. The Flame was relit every March 1st and had to be kept lit all year. If the flame ever went out disaster would strike in Rome. The flame was kept alive by the Vestal Virgins. These Priestesses were chosen were as young as 6 years. They had to stay as Priestesses for thirty years, and were not allowed to marry. In roman homes, every day, during a meal, a small cake was thrown for Vesta, It was good luck if it was burnt with a crackle. Her Greek name was Hestia. Vesta’s Family Tree Brother: Jupiter
Janus Janus kept the gate of heaven, So he then became God Of Doors and Gates. This was very important because a house is only as strong as the door. His Temple in Rome had its doors thrown open in times of war, and closed it in times of peace. They where usually open! The emperor closed the temple, since he brought peace to the roman empire. Janus had two faces, one looking forwards and one looking back, since a door can let you in and out. The first month of the year is named after him. In January, we look back at the last year and forward to the next one ahead.
Maia Maia is goddess of growth. In middle age people went out maying on the first day of may. They would go to the fields and woods, collecting flowers and enjoying the sunshine. This might have been in honour of Maia, The goddess of may, or Flo, The goddess of flowers. Today we still have the first Monday in may as the holiday. Sometimes people dance around maypoles. Maia’s English word is May is the Hawthorn Flower. Maia’s family tree Son: Mercury
