Assignment: God Chartname

Assignment: God ChartName:

When the Greeks were conquered by the Romans, the new rulers enjoyed the myths and stories of their culture and so the Romans adopted them. They took the myths back to Italy, where the myths were well liked, except that the names were all Greek sounding. The Romans changed the names and some of the events in the myths to better fit their lifestyles and values.

The Greek and Roman gods worshipped by the two nations had similar roles and duties.

1. Using the Greek names that you are given in the chart below, complete some research and fill in the missing information.

• Roman Name
• Characteristics – Describe the purpose and traits of each god/goddess. If there is something different about their characteristics in the Roman mythology, then include that difference here.
• Relationship/s – What is the relationship that this god/goddess has with some of the other gods/goddesses listed? (Mother, father, son, daughter … etc.) You do not need to include all the relationships, just enough to give a general idea of this family tree.
• Symbol – What symbol/s or signs are associated with each god/goddess?

1. In your own words using a well-developed paragraph describe why you think myths, gods and goddesses became so popular in Greek culture. Consider things like their history, geography, society and value system in your answer.
2. The Romans were known for absorbing cultural and technological elements from the lands they conquered. In your own words explain how the Roman eagerness to claim Greek myths helped to bind the Roman Empire closer together. Be sure to use logical argument to support your ideas.
3. Nashville, TN does not worship the goddess Athena, but they paid to build a Parthenon. All over the United States the ancient classical cultures of the Greeks and Romans have influenced us. Describe why you think elements of these cultures are still a part of our society today.