Roman
Mythology
Written
by Christine Breese, D.D., Ph.D.
Roman mythology was not purely Roman. It was actually very influenced
by Greek Mythology, and other various mythologies from the surrounding
regions. Other influences on Roman mythology were coming from Etruscan,
Alban, Sabine, Greece, Syrian, Persian and Egyptian beliefs. Roman mythology
itself did not dominate the system, and in fact, the people took a little
of something from every system of gods and goddesses. Roman mythology
itself may seem rather bland when compared to the Greek, Oriental or Egyptian
legends. Roman mythology could be seen as just another system that was
added, or intertwined with the mythology of other systems. In fact, Romans
often built temples to and adopted into their own system gods and goddesses
of the very regions they conquered and defeated. These would become new
protectors whose services could be utilized.
The Roman pantheon is not really specifically exclusive, and is not actually
noted as a belief system. The Romans did not feel an overwhelming urge
to love or adore the superhuman powers, but rather saw it as a business
arrangement where they paid money for the services of these protectors.
If the gods failed, their wages were actually withheld. The Roman pantheon
is not a colorful array of personalities with their individual traits
and quirks like the Greek or Egyptian pantheon of gods and goddesses.
It was more abstract and utilitarian, a register of protectors who had
special functions, which could be bought through money and specific rites.
Interestingly, many of the Roman gods found their way into names of months.
The Roman gods were mostly divided into two categories: gods of state
who protected the government, the cities, and the region, and the gods
of family who protected the loved ones in one’s home.