Roman Mythology
The ancient Romans have a rich mythology, and while most of it was derived from the Greeks, it also defined their history. Virgil and Ovid extended the mythology of the Mediterranean, and they showcased some of the most iconic figures in ancient mythology like Aeneas, Vesta, Janus, and the twin founders of Rome itself, Romulus and Remus..
The Roman Empire was a polytheistic society, which meant that it recognized and worshipped multiple gods and goddesses. Even though some of the monotheistic religions were present in the empire, Romans believed that these deities played a huge role in founding the Roman culture. The Romans paid allegiance to the gods in various ways. They would decorate public areas with their favourite deities’ images, and they worshipped at home as well.
There were also some gods and goddesses in Rome who did not come from the Greek mythology. For instance, Janus was born with two faces, and these represented the spirit of various passages in Rome. Believed to preside over beginnings, it is fitting that the month of January is named after Janus.
According to Roman mythology, the city of Rome was founded on the strength of the gods. For instance, Mars, the god of war, was the father of twin sons named Romulus and Remus.