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Greek vs roman mythology compare and contrast
Greek vs roman mythology compare and contrast
Greek vs roman mythology compare and contrast
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Zeus and Jupiter: fathers to gods and men, architects and demolishers of the universe, legendary mythical gods immortalized by time through literature and legends. Greek and Roman mythological gods that are both symbolized by the eagle, prefer to smite with lightning, and are undistinguishable in appearance from each other. Although Greek mythology is similar to Roman mythology, ancient Greek values are richer in creativity and philosophical value compared to ancient Roman values. Though, without Roman preservation of Greek mythology, who knows if Greek mythology would have held the historical significance it has present day. One cannot separate the mythology of the Greeks and Romans from their history and culture unless a boundary line is drawn between their two very different values. Greek mythology is older, and depends heavily on portraying individual human flaws and weaknesses, like hubris, through gods clashing with epic heroes. Instead of worshipping the gods, the Greeks sought to learn from the values set forth in stories by the gods or epic hero. The core Greek values taught in these stories are hospitality, intelligence, and virtue. Roman mythology, however, is mostly recycled ancestral tribe mythologies and the Greek divines’ hierarchal structure (roles of gods). At the core of Roman values are more military focused values like discipline, bravery, and politics (Berens, 53-59). The Greek and Roman mythologies incorporate and reflect the culture and origins of each people: When the Greeks first settled in Italy they found in the country they colonized a mythology belonging to the Celtic inhabitants, which, according to the Greek custom of paying reverence to all gods, known or unknown, they readily adopted, selecting a... ... middle of paper ... ...ualities affected the values of both cultures. Although Roman values are less artistically thoughtful and refined, Greek mythology would not exist today as we know it, if not for the Romans’ preservation through assimilation with their own culture. This essay would not have even been written if not for the Romans’ use of the Greek alphabet to create Latin, which later became English. Works Cited Berens, E. The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome: A Handbook of Mythology. 1880. Bremen, Deutschland: Das Press, 2011. Print. The Holy Bible. King James Version. Proverbs 21:02. Philadelphia: The National Publishing Company, 1997. Print. History Department. “Roman Culture and the Aeneid.” Grand Valley State University, n.d. web. 29 Nov 2013. Watkins, Thayer. “The Origins of the Etruscans.” José State University (2012): 1-3. Web. 25 Nov 2013.
Burckhardt, Jacob, The Greeks and Greek Civilization, St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10010, 1998.
In ancient times, the Greeks had absolute and undeniable respect for their gods. They demonstrated their admiration by putting in place many rituals and celebrations to reverence the gods that they loved and feared in order to ensure harmony with them. In particular, the focus will be on the religious beliefs of the Greeks, including prayer and sacrifice, as well as on festivals and the arts, such as the ancient Olympic games and theatre. These aspects of their culture made a significant contribution to their quality of life. Moreover, these topics will be examined in relation to the twelve Olympian gods and their associates.
Guerber, H. A. Myths of Greece and Rome. New York: American Book Company. 1921. Print.
"Achilles." Gods, Heroes and Myth: Mythologies of Many lands. 10 June 2003. Internet. 23 June 2003.
8. Edmondson, J. C., and MyiLibrary. “Augustus”. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2009. eBook Academic Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 4 May 2014.
The Etruscans, New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1980. 4) Johnstone, M.A.. Etruria Past and Present, London, Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1930. 5) Keller, Werner. The Etruscans, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1974. 6) Strong, Donald. The Early Etruscans, New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1968. 7) Vaughan, Agnes Carr.
They had similar beliefs, but also immeasurable differences. It was composed of many meaningful gods and goddesses that all played a part in the everyday life of the average Roman and Greek person of that time.
Throughout the history of the world there have been a number of civilizations which have had a longstanding influence not only their own people and culture, but also on various other societies and civilizations. The Greek and Roman civilizations are two such civilizations. Both Greek and Roman influences have permeated societies and cultures besides their own. While there are many notable similarities between ancient Greek and Roman mythology and religion, there are likely also many differences in their origins, beliefs, and practices. Still, ancient Greek and Roman mythology and culture have influenced people of the world from the medieval ages up to the present. Indeed, ancient Greek and Roman mythology and culture have influenced world theology through the ages.
It is evident that the Romans emulated much or all of Greek culture into their lives, even down to their philosophies and complete blatancy of using the same gods and goddesses. However, there was an apparent shift of Greco-Roman polytheism to medieval monotheism, which is where persons in this period started to pivot their attention primarily on just God, disregarding old traditions of other gods. They went from issuing deities to make sense of their ancient world, and using rational thought (never was this used before) to probe for questions, to a reliance on just one god for all explanations (the medieval period). However, as time progressed, during the time of the Renaissance, people were using some of the same techniques as Greco-Roman
Virgil. “The Aeneid, Book IV”. The Norton Anthology of Western Literature. 8th ed. Vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton, 2006. 974-95. Print.
The myth of Romulus and Remus, as well as the myth of Aeneas contribute to the emergence of Rome and its people. Romulus and Remus are credited with founding of the city of Rome itself, while Aeneas was credited with the founding of the Roman race (Ott, 105). The history of Rome cannot be told without both of these myths being a part of the story. Each has both similarities and vast differences to the other. When Gods are involved punishment and reward seem to go hand-in-hand.
Although both Roman and Greek civilizations shared similarities in the areas of art and literature, their differences were many and prominent. Their contrasting aspects rest mainly upon political systems and engineering progress, but there are also several small discrepancies that distinguish between these two societies. This essay will examine these differences and explain why, ultimately, Rome was the more advanced civilization of the two.
Throughout the history of the world there have been a number of civilizations which have had a longstanding influence not only their own people and culture, but also on various other societies and civilizations. The Greek and Roman civilizations are two such civilizations. Both Greek and Roman influences have permeated societies and cultures besides their own. While there are many notable similarities between ancient Greek and Roman mythology and religion, there are likely also many differences in their origins, beliefs, and practices. Still, ancient Greek and Roman mythology and culture have influenced people of the world from the medieval ages up to the present. Indeed, ancient Greek and Roman mythology and culture have influenced world theology through the ages.
Tracy, H. L. "'Fata Deum' and the Action of the 'Aeneid'" Greece & Rome 11.2 (1964): 188-95.
Damrosch, David, and David Pike. The Longman Anthology of World Literature. The Ancient World. Volume C. Second Edition. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2009. Print.