Behind | The Mythology of Rome

The Aeneid & Aeneas: Venus looks over her son, legendary Trojan war hero Aeneas who travels to Greece, North Africa, Hades and eventually the Italian peninsula, the home of future Rome.

Romulus and Remus: Romulus and Remus, two mythical heirs of Aeneas, were raised by a she-wolf. The brothers founded the city of Rome, named after Romulus who was favored by the gods.

Jupiter: Rome’s mythology involved Saturn and a triad of the primary gods Jupiter (pictured here), Juno and Minerva. Jupiter, like the Greek Zeus, was the sky god.

Roma: Roma was the divine personification of the city of Rome and the Roman state. She is often portrayed with military equipment. (Notice the helmet in this image.)

Caesar Augustus: As Rome transitioned from Republic to Empire in 27 BC, Octavian was given the title Augustus (“illustrious one”). An “imperial cult” (emperor worship) soon began.