At first, Romans believed in many different gods and
goddesses. These gods were like people, but with magical powers. The Roman gods
were part of a family. People told stories or myths about them. Each god
or goddess looked after different people or things.
The Romans often borrowed new gods from people they
conquered. They hoped these new gods would make them stronger. They borrowed
gods from Egypt, for example, such as the goddess Isis.
The Greeks and Romans shared the same stories, but used different names.
Greek
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Roman
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Zeus
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Jupiter
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Lord of the sky and supreme ruler of the gods. Known
for throwing lightening bolts.
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Poseidon
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Neptune
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Ruler of the sea. Brother of Zeus. Carried a
three-pronged spear known as a trident.
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Hades
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Pluto
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Ruler of the underworld and the dead. Brother of
Zeus. Had a helmet which rendered its wearer invisible.
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Hestia
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Vesta
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A virgin goddess and sister of Zeus. No distinct
personality or part in myths. Goddess of the
Hearth, the symbol of the home.
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Hera
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Juno
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Zeus's wife and sister. Protector of marriage, spent
most of her time punishing the many women Zeus fell in love with. Likes
cows and peacocks.
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Ares
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Mars
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God of war and son of Zeus and Hera. Likes
vultures and dogs.
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Athena
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Minerva
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Daughter of Zeus alone. No mother.(?) She sprang
from his head full-grown and in full armor. The protector of civilized life,
handicrafts, and agriculture. Invented the bridle, and first to tame the
horse. Likes Athens, olives, and owls.
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Apollo
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Apollo
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Son of Zeus. Master musician, archer god, healer,
god of light, god of truth, sun god. A busy god who likes the laurel tree,
dolphins, and crows.
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Aphrodite
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Venus
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Daughter of Zeus. Goddess of Love and Beauty. Likes
the myrtle tree, doves, sparrows, and swans.
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Hermes
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Mercury
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Son of Zeus. Wore wings on his sandals and his hat,
thus was graceful and swift.
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Artemis
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Diana
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Apollo's twin sister and daughter of Zeus. Lady of
wild things and huntsman to the gods. As Apollo is the
Sun, Artemis is the moon.
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Hephaestus
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Vulcan
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Son of Hera, God of Fire. The only ugly and deformed
god. Makes armor and weapons forged under volcanoes.
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