Classical Studies 2200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Di Penates, Human Events, Worship God

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2200
• Professor: Aara Suksi

Document Summary

The roman empire was composed of a variety of cultures reflected in roman myth: indigenous material, etruscan material. Government: senate of aristocratic families + female freedom: greek material. Influenced roman culture directly and indirectly (through the etruscan"s) Romans saw themselves as inferior to greeks in literary/artistic achievements. Romans adopted greek literature and myth, reconstructing it to suite their core values. Roman myth: romulus & remus the founding of rome. Rhea silvia was assigned to the office of vestal virgin by her uncle amulius: amulius usurped rhea"s father, numitor, from his throne. Vestal virgins guard vesta"s eternal flame and remain celibate until 40: amulius hoped to prevent rhea from having offspring. Mars seduced rhea and they had 2 children: romulus and remus. Amulius left them to die in a basket in the river tiber. The twins were found and nursed by a she-wolf, lupa, until a shepherd found them and raised them to man-hood.