The Romans were greatly influenced by their gods and religious beliefs which is largely demonstrated in the artworks they created which portray the roman gods and emperors which were thought to be divine. They worshiped them in hope that if the gods were happy the society would live happier and blessed lives. By: Kevin Zeller
Artemis, unknown, 115 BC - 100 BC, From the collection of: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
Diana was the goddess of the hunt, moon fertility, and birthing. The Romans adopted her from her Greek version Artemis. Diana is sister of Apollo who is the god of the sun. They were born on the island of Delos and their parents are Jupiter and the mortal Latona. Diana is also one of the maiden goddesses who swore never to marry.
Cupid is the Roman version of Eros and is the god of love desire and such. Even after they developed a christian based religion he continued to be an important figure representing love and relationships. He is often depicted next to the goddess Venus because her representation of beauty and love complements the representations of Cupid who also represents love relationships desire, attraction and affection.
Marbury Hall Zeus, 1st century, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Jupiter known as Zeus in Greek mythology was the king of all gods. He ruled the skies and was also the god of thunder. He was chief deity up until the creation of Christianity. In Roman mythology he establishes the principles of Roman religion along with Numa Pompilius
Statue of Jupiter, Unknown, Ancient Rome. End of 1st century, From the collection of: The State Hermitage Museum
Once again we see a statue dedicated to Jupiter which just shows how important he was and how much the Romans respected him. Jupiter known as Zeus in Greek mythology was the king of all gods. He ruled the skies and was also the god of thunder. He was chief deity up until the creation of Christianity. In Roman mythology he establishes the principles of Roman religion along with Numa Pompilius
Veiled Augustus, Unknown, 1st century A.D., From the collection of: Museo Nacional de Arte Romano
Although he is human and not a god the Romans glorified Augustus and practically worshiped him. He was originally born Gaius Octavius but was later renamed Augustus meaning great or venerable. He was the first emperor of Rome and was adored by the people. He brought changes to the government making it more efficient. Interestingly enough he revoked any monarchial titles given to him and instead was referred to as Princeps Civitatis
Dionysus, Roman, 50–150 AD, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Bacchus was the Roman god of wine and agriculture and was the las god to joint the Olympians. Dionysus was his Greek name. He was represented by vines and ivy and carried a pinecone staff. He is very associated with drinking, partying and games.
Mercury is the Roman god of commerce, messages and communication, financial gain, travelers, luck, boundaries, trickery and thieves. He is the Roman version of the greek god Hermes however in Rome he is considered more important. His parents are Jupiter and Maia.
Statuette of Venus, 2nd - 3rd century, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, sex, fertility and prosperity. She was adopted from the roman goddess Aphrodite. She is often portrayed with baby cupid because their representations compliment each other perfectly. Venus is believed to be mother of all Romans through her son Aeneas who fled Troy when it fell and settled in Italy where Rome was built.
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