ROMAN GODS & GODDESSES

Ancient Rome is famous for many different aspects of its history, including its unique and varied religions.  Specifically, many are fascinated with Ancient Roman gods and goddesses and their interesting histories.  Below are a selection of Roman gods and goddesses and a few details about each.

Mars, the Roman god of war.

Jupiter

• King of the gods- equivalent to Zeus who was king of the Greek God’s.
• Jupiter was the Roman God of the sky, thunderstorms, lightning, weather and air.
• Jupiter was also god of law, order, justice, governance and strength.
• Jupiter was considered one of, if not the most important god of the Romans. For this reason, Jupiter usually had the highest divine authority over other gods.
• Jupiter’s identifying instrument is the thunderbolt and as a result statues and paintings of Jupiter often depict him holding one.

 
Neptune

• Neptune was one of the brothers of Jupiter and as a result was one of the prime gods.
• Neptune was considered to be ruler of the seas. As a result of his ruling over the seas, Neptune was considered the patron of sailors and the protector of ships.
• Counterpart of the Greek God Poseidon.
• Neptune was also associated with horses and as a result was a patron of horse racing.

 
Juno

• A powerful God and was considered to be the Queen of the Gods. Juno was the wife of Jupiter.
• Goddess of marriage and women. Protector and counsellor of Rome.
• Juno was the daughter of Saturn.
• Juno is often depicted sitting with a peacock and in war like attire. 

 
Mars

• Mars was the God of War, spring and justice.
• Mars was considered to the guardian of agriculture.
• Mars was also the patron of the Roman Legions and divine father of Romulus and Remus who feature in a popular and well known Roman legend.
• Mars is thought to have been important in establishing religious and cultural identity within Rome.

 
Venus

• Goddess of Love and consort of Mars.
• Divine mother of Aeneas, ancestor of the Romans.
• Venus is one of the most widely known, and referenced Roman god’s.

 
Bellona

• Goddess of war, conquest and peace.
• Bellona is always depicted wearing a military helmet.
• Bellona’s first temple was erected in 296 BC in Rome.

 
Minerva

• Goddess of wisdom, divine counsel, useful arts, crafts and Later War.
• Minerva was born with weapons from Jupiter.
• Often depicted with her sacred creature, an owl usually named as the "owl of Minerva". This owl symbolizes wisdom and knowledge.

 
Janus

• God of Beginnings, Endings, Transition, Doorways and Keys.
• Janus is thought to be the stem of January, and as such is why January is considered to be the start of the New Year on the Roman calendar. However, according to Roman farmers' Juno was the tutelary deity of the month.
• The doors of his temple were open in time of war, and closed to mark the peace.

 
Vesta

• Goddess of the Home and the Hearth.
• Patron of Rome.
• Vesta is important to Roman religion and this is indicated by the priesthood that is devoted to her: the Vestal Virgins. This priesthood is Rome's only college of full-time priests.

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