Download Roman Mythology

Roman Mythology
Myths are expressions of the fears, problems and goals that man has had since the beginning of time.
Most cultures use myths to provide explanation for that which they do not understand. Myths began as
part of a culture’s oral tradition and then would change over time to fit the needs of the people and
were eventually written down as cultures developed a written language.
In most cultures, myths
encompass the relationship that people believed existed between themselves and their gods and
goddesses.
In ancient Rome, mythology was a very important part of their culture. In the beginning and the
founding of Rome the gods were divine manifestations. They were very powerful, but without physical
attributes. They were called “Numina” and everything in nature was thought to be inhabited by
“Numina”. Later, with the influence of the Etruscans and Greeks these gods developed into what we
currently know to be Roman gods and goddesses.
Directions:
Choose a Greek god or goddess from the list below.
1) Research and analyze the god or goddess taking into consideration the role he/she played in
Greek culture and religion, stories associated with the god or goddess, counterparts in other
cultures and modern allusions to the god or goddess.
2) Create a poster, Power Point/ Prezi or short movie (2-5 minutes) on the god or goddess
which includes the following:
a. A written report analyzing the role and influence of the god or goddess (Be careful
to put analysis in your own words and document any sources used). (If using a digital
form the written portion will be turned in separately; if using a post, it should be
included on the poster).
b. A story that is associated with the god or goddess
c. A picture of the god or goddess
d. Examples of counterparts in other cultures
e. Examples of modern day allusion to the god or goddess
3) Place god/goddess on family tree
4) Present your analysis and project to the class.
Roman gods/goddesses
Jupiter
Juno
Ceres
Cupid
Mercury
Minerva
Venus
Vesta
Due Date: Friday, February 28, 2014
Apollo
Diana
Neptune
Vulcan
Bacchus
Mars
Pluto
Proserpine