Jupiter Jupiter by Micha F. Lindemans Jupiter is the supreme god of the Roman pantheon, called dies pater, "shining father". He is a god of light and sky, and protector of the state and its laws. He is a son of Saturn and brother of Neptune and Juno (who is also his wife). The Romans worshipped him especially as Jupiter Optimus Maximus (all-good, all-powerful). This name refers not only to his rulership over the universe, but also to his function as the god of the state who distributes laws, controls the realm and makes his will known through oracles. His English name is Jove. He had a temple on the Capitol, together with Juno and Minerva , but he was the most prominent of this Capitoline triad. His temple was not only the most important sanctuary in Rome; it was also the center of political life. Here official offerings were made, treaties were signed and wars were declared, and the triumphant generals of the Roman army came here to give their thanks. Other titles of Jupiter include: Caelestis (heavenly), Lucetius (of the light), Totans (thunderer), Fulgurator (of the lightning).

As Jupiter Victor he led the Roman army to victory. Jupiter is also the protector of the ancient league of Latin cities. His attribute is the lightning bolt and the eagle is both his symbol and his messenger. Jupiter is completely identical with the Greek Zeus Article details: Jupiter - Ancient History Encyclopedia Jupiter by Donald L. Wasson published on 06 May 2014 Among the many gods of the Romans, Jupiter , the son of Saturn , was the supreme god, associated with thunder, lightning, and storms. The first citizens of what would become Rome believed they were watched over by the spirits of their ancestors, and they added a triad of gods to these spirits. These new gods included Mars , the god of war ; Quirinus, the deified Romulus who watched over the people of Rome; and lastly, Jupiter, the supreme god. He was Jupiter Elicius - one who brings forth. By the rise of the Republic, Jupiter’s identity as the greatest of all the gods was firmly established, but two members of the old triad were replaced with Juno (his sister and wife) and Minerva (his daughter).

Jupiter's most important title was Jupiter Optimus Maximus, meaning the Best and Greatest and signifying his role as father of the gods. Jupiter, the old, personalized deity of the Etruscan kings, found a new home in the Republic. He was a god of light, a protector during defeat, and the giver of victory. He was Jupiter Imperator, the supreme general; Jupiter Invictus, the unconquered; and lastly, Jupiter Triumphator. He protected Rome in time of war and maintained the welfare of the people during peace. He was most often portrayed with a long, white beard, and his symbol was the eagle atop a scepter which he carried as he sat upon his majestic throne. As with Zeus , his reputation for violence often caused men to tremble in fear for he could easily punish them with one of his thunderbolts. Of course, he would give them a fair warning before the final, destructive bolt, and punishment was usually carried out only with the consent of the other gods. Jupiter in Roman Religion Religion has always been a significant element of almost every society, modern or ancient. It explained everything, including the seasons, the rise of the sun in the morning and the moon at night.

The gods protected people from their enemies, the forces of nature, and fought alongside them during times of war. The gods were ever-present in their folklore and temples were built to honor them. Sacrifices were made to win the gods' blessing. Prior to the rise of the monotheism of the Judeo-Christians, most cultures worshipped a multitude of gods. There was a god of war, a god of the harvest, and even a goddess of fertility. The Roman Empire was no different. The god's most important title was Jupiter Optimus Maximus, meaning the Best and Greatest. To the early Romans religion and faith, especially during the early years of the Republic, offered reassurance and protection to the people. It was a major component in every aspect of life; few decisions were made without appealing to the gods. Roman religion, however, was not individualistic as Christianity , for example; it was communal. There was no holy text or creed; there was only the pax decorum or peace of the gods. Through rituals and prayer, the Romans curried favor with the gods and thereby evaded his or her wrath.

And, while the Romans were often tolerant of the religion of those they conquered (often absorbing an occasional new god or two), they remained protective of the official state religion and were suspicious of anything that might undermine their power structure. This suspicion was the underlying cause of the persecution of both the Jews and Christians during the reigns of Nero and subsequent emperors. This protection would enable Jupiter and his fellow Olympians to survive from the Etruscans, through both the Republican and Imperial Eras, and up to the rise of Christianity. Temple in Rome Around 509 BCE a magnificent temple, shared with Juno and Minerva, was erected on Capitoline Hill in Rome, a place where people could gather and make sacrifices. Aside from a large sculpture of Jupiter, the temple, the grandest of all in Rome, housed the Sibylline books which were the oracles of Rome and were only consulted during moments of crisis. Jupiter was worshipped by many titles: Invictus, Imperator, and Triumphator - titles that represented his supreme importance to Rome in all matters of state life, both in peace and war.

After returning from battle , victorious generals would lead a procession called a triumph through the streets of Rome to Jupiter’s temple. The general would be dressed in a long, purple robe, carrying a scepter in his right hand, riding in a chariot drawn by four white horses; he was followed by a large mass of citizens, his army, and prisoners of war, the latter of course, in chains. After arriving at the temple, he would make a sacrifice, being sure to donate a portion of his booty to Jupiter, thanking Jupiter for his victory in battle. Remove Ads Advertisement To these generals Jupiter represented the fearlessness of the Roman army . However, while he was worshipped by the military, often being viewed as a patron of violence, he was also a political god, conferring legitimacy to both the popular assembly and the Senate. The Senate would not allow a declaration of war without the blessing of Jupiter. He was the patron of oaths and treaties and the punisher of perjurers. No political action was begun or completed without his judgment. The chief games celebrated in September, the Ludi Romani, were observed in his honor. The Decline of Jupiter Jupiter, however, had his detractors and challenges.

After the death of Julius Caesar , who at one time served as a flamen dialis or Jupiter’s personal priestly officer, Emperor Augustus ’ followers initiated an imperial cult: the worship of the emperor as a god. While Augustus rejected the idea of being a god, those emperors who followed often relished the idea, often conferring deification of a predecessor; Emperor Caligula even claimed himself to be a living god. And like Alexander the Great , who believed he was the son of Zeus, Emperor Galba believed he was descended from Jupiter. Emperor Elagabalus temporarily replaced Jupiter with Elagabal, a Syrian god. He even had a large, black conical-shaped stone - a cult symbol of his religion - brought from Syria and installed on the Palatine Hill. A new temple, the Elagabalium, was built to honor Elagabal. Luckily, his successor, Alexander Serverus wanted to curry favor with the people of Rome and returned Jupiter to his proper place as supreme god: he sent the stone back to Syria. Later, in the third century, Jupiter was replaced, this time it was the cult of Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun, a patron of soldiers.

Again, Jupiter was saved by Emperor Diocletian . Lastly, St. Augustine, author of City of God, condemned both Roman society and its religion. He wrote that not only had the Roman gods failed to protect the Romans from disaster, but Jupiter was singled out as being an adulterer. With the rise of Christianity and the fall of the Empire in the 5th century CE, Jupiter and his fellow gods became the stuff of mythology . Their names now live on through the planets: Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, Mercury , and Venus . Unfortunately, Jupiter’s memory has also been overshadowed by his Greek counterpart Zeus. He did, however, play a crucial role in Roman culture throughout most of its history. He protected Romans from the wrath of their enemies, during peace and in war. Despite the successes and failures of the emperors, Jupiter was, then, an ever-present feature of Roman daily life.

JUPITER, Roman Mythology Index Custom Search JUPITER Or perhaps more correctly, Juppiter, a contraction of Diovis pater, or Diespiter , and Diovis or dies, which was originally identical with divum (heaven); so that Jupiter literally means "the heavenly father." The same meaning is implied in the name Lucesius or Lucerius , by which he was called by the Oscans, and which was often used by the poet Naevius (Serv. ad Aen. ix. 570; comp. Fest. s. v. Lucetium, p. 114, ed. Miiller; Macrob. Sat. i. 15; Gell. v. 12.) The corresponding name of Juno is Lucina . It is further not impossible that the forgotten name, divus pater Falacer, mentioned by Varro (de L. L. v. 84, vii. 45), may be the same as Jupiter, since, according to Festus (s. v. falae, p. 88, ed. Müller), falandum was the Etruscan name for heaven. The surname of Supinalis (August.

de Civ. Dei, vii. 11) likewise alludes to the dome of heaven. As Jupiter was the lord of heaven, the Romans attributed to him power over all the changes in the heavens, as rain, storms, thunder and lightning, whence he had the epithets of Pluvius , Fulgurator , Tonitrualis , Tonans , Fulminator , and Serenator . (Appul. de Mund. 37; Fest. s. v. prorsum; Suet. Aug. 91.) As the pebble or flint stone was regarded as the symbol of lightning, Jupiter was frequently represented with such a stone in his hand instead of a thunderbolt (Arnob. vi. 25); and in ancient times a flint stone was exhibited as a symbolic representation of the god. (Serv. ad Aen. viii. 641; August. de Civ. Dei, ii. 29.) In concluding a treaty, the Romans took the sacred symbols of Jupiter, viz. the sceptre and flint stone, together with some grass from his temple, and the oath taken on such an occasion was expressed by per Jovem Lopidem jurare. (Fest.

s.v. Feretrius; Liv. xxx. 43; Appul. de Deo Socrat. 4; Cic. ad Fam. vii. 12; Gell. i. 21; Polyb. iii. 26.) When the country wanted rain, the help of Jupiter was sought by a sacrifice called aquilicium (Tertull. Apol. 40); and respecting the mode of calling down lightning, see ELICIUS . These powers exercised by the god, and more especially the thunderbolt, which was ever at his command, made him the highest and most powerful among the gods, whence he is ordinarily called the best and most high (optimus maximus), and his temple stood on the capitol; for he, like the Greek Zeus , loved to erect his throne on lofty hills. (Liv. i. 10, 38, xliii. 55.) From the capitol, whence he derived the surnames of Capitolinus and Tarpeius , he looked down upon the forum and the city, and from the Alban and sacred mounts he surveyed the whole of Latium (Fest. s. v.

Sacer Mons), for he was the protector of the city and the surrounding country. As such he was worshipped by the consuls on entering upon their office, and a general returning from a campaign had first of all to offer up his thanks to Jupiter, and it was in honour of Jupiter that the victorious general celebrated his triumph. (Liv. xxi. 63, xli. 32, xlii. 49.) The god himself was therefore designated by the names of Imperator , Victor , Invictus , Stator , Opitulus , Feretrius , Praedator , Triumphator , and the like. (Liv. i. 12, vi. 29, x. 29; Ov. Fast. iv. 621; August. de Civ. Dei, viii. 11; Serv. ad Aen. iii. 223; Appul. de Mund. 37; Festus, s. v. Opitulus; Cic. de Leg. ii. 11, in Verr. iv. 58.) Under all these surnames the god had temples or statues at Rome; and two temples, viz.

those of Jupiter Stator at the Mucian gate and Jupiter Feretrius, were believed to have been built in the time of Romulus . (Liv. i. 12, 41; Dionys. ii. 34, 50.) The Roman games and the Feriae Latinae were celebrated to him under the names of Capitolinus and Latialis . Jupiter, according to the belief of the Romans, determined the course of all earthly and human affairs: he foresaw the future, and the events happening in it were the results of his will. He revealed the future to man through signs in the heavens and the flight of birds, which are hence called the messengers of Jupiter, while the god himself is designated as Prodigialis , that is, the sender of prodigies. (Plaut. Amphitr. ii. 2, 107.) For the same reason Jupiter was invoked at the beginning of every undertaking, whether sacred or profane, together with Janus, who blessed the beginning itself (August. de Civ. Dei, vii. 8; Liv. viii. 9; Cato, de R. R. 134, 141; Macrob. Sat.

i. 16); and rams were sacrificed to Jupiter on the ides of every month by his flamen, while a female lamb and a pig were offered to Juno on the kalends of every month by the wife of the rex sacrorum. (Macrob. Sat. i. 15; Ov. Fast. i. 587; Fest. s. v. Idulis Ovis.) Another sacrifice, consisting of a ram, was offered to Jupiter in the regia on the nundines, that is, at the beginning of every week (Macrob. Sat. i. 16; Festus. s. v. nundinas); and it may be remarked in general that the first day of every period of time both at Rome and in Latium was sacred to Jupiter, and marked by festivals, sacrifices, or libations. It seems to be only a necessary consequence of what has been already said, that Jupiter was considered as the guardian of law, and as the protector of justice and virtue: he maintained the sanctity of an oath, and presided over all transactions which were based upon faithfulness and justice.

Hence Fides was his companion on the capitol, along with Victoria ; and hence a traitor to his country, and persons guilty of perjury, were thrown down the Tarpeian rock. Faithfulness is manifested in the internal relations of the state, as well as in its connections with foreign powers, and in both respects Jupiter was regarded as its protector. Hence Jupiter and Juno were the guardians of the bond of marriage; and when the harmony between husband and wife was disturbed, it was restored by Juno, surnamed Conciliatrix or Viriplaca , who had a sanctuary on the Palatine. (Fest. s. v. Conciliatric; Val. Max. ii. 1. § 6.) Not only the family, however, but all the political bodies into which the Roman people was divided, such as the gentes and curiae, were under the especial protection of the king and queen of the gods; and so was the whole body of the Roman people, that is, the Roman state itself.

The fact of Jupiter being further considered as the watchful guardian of property, is implied in his surname of Hercius (from the ancient herctum, property), and from his being expressly called by Dionysius (ii. 74), horios Zeus, i.e. Jupiter Terminus , or the protector of boundaries, not only of private property, but of the state. As Jupiter was the prince of light, the white colour was sacred to him, white animals were sacrificed to him, his chariot was believed to be drawn by four white horses, his priests wore white caps, and the consuls were attired in white when they offered sacrifices in the capitol the day they entered on their office. (Festus, s.v. albogalerum pileum.) When the Romans became acquainted with the religion of the Greeks, they naturally identified Jupiter with Zeus , and afterwards with the Egyptian Ammon , and in their representations of the god they likewise adopted the type of the Greek Zeus. [ ZEUS .] Roman Mythology - Ancient History Encyclopedia Roman Mythology by Donald L.

Wasson published on 10 December 2014 For many people, the word “myth” may immediately bring to mind rich images of the ancient Greeks and their heroic tales of Zeus and the other Olympian gods. One may envision the stories of Midas , Heracles, Pandora , and Perseus . The Greeks, however, were not the only people to produce myths. The Romans, among others, also had a rich mythology of their own and, while much of it was derived from their neighbors, the Greeks, it still defined the rich history of the Roman people as they eventually grew into an empire . The Concept of Myths Before one can delve into a study of mythology, one must understand the concept behind a myth. In his book The Greek and Roman Myths: A Guide to the Classical Stories, Philip Matyszak describes a myth simply as “the ancient’s view of the world.” These myths -- although often appearing as simple stories filled with valiant heroes, maidens in distress, and a host of all-powerful gods -- are much more.

The gods of the Greeks and Romans were anthropomorphic, exhibiting many human qualities such as love, hate, and jealousy, and because of this, the people of Rome and Greece were able to see themselves in these tales and understand their relationship to the rest of the world as well their connection to the gods. The lesson often to be learned was that one must meet one's destiny with strength, determination, and nobility. These myths enabled an individual to stand against the ills and hardships of an unforgiving universe. Matyszak states that, in spite of their constant disagreements and battles, the gods and humankind had to stand together against the “monsters and giants” of the world, or more simply, the “forces of disorder and wanton destruction.” Remove Ads Advertisement Myths, whether Greek, Roman, any other culture's, at the end of the day were concerned with the relationship between the gods and humans, differing in this regard from fairytales and folktales. For all people, in many ways, myths made life bearable by providing security.

They should not be easily dismissed as simple stories for, in both Greece and Rome, they dealt with important issues: the creation of the world, the nature of good and evil, and even the afterlife. And, for this reason, these tales have stood the test of time and become part of our present day culture. One only needs look at the names of our planets to see this: Mercury , Venus , Mars , Jupiter , Saturn , Neptune, Uranus and even poor little Pluto are all named for Roman gods. Greek Myths In Greece, myths were derived from a rich old oral tradition: Homer ’s Iliad and Odyssey and Hesiod 's Theogony. These were tales that had been passed down through the generations, first through the spoken word, and finally written down c. 8th century BCE. When Rome was founded in the 8th century BCE, many of the Greek city -states were already well-established. Greece even had founded colonies on the Italian peninsula and Sicily . Centuries later, after the four Macedonian Wars, these colonies would become a part of the early Roman Republic . This contact with Greece, and more specifically with Greek religion and mythology, had a lasting effect on Rome and its people.

Rome was able to adopt much that defined Greece: art, philosophy , literature , and drama. Mythology, however, had to be adapted to reflect a Roman set of values. The influnece of Greek myths was seen everywhere in Rome; in the architecture, subject matter, and adornments of sculptures, temples, and mosaics. This adoption of all that was Greek can be seen in the city’s relationship to the Trojan War , a war that ultimately led to the most basic of Roman mythology : the birth of Romulus and Remus and the founding of a city. Whereas much of Greek mythology was transmitted through their poetry and drama, the Roman myths were written in prose, providing a sense of history and a foundation of all that was Roman: their rituals and institutions. In Roman mythology the difference between history and myth was almost indistinguishable:Rome was a city of destiny and the myths told that story. Advertisement Ovid Many early Roman authors wrote on the myths of Rome. Ovid, before his exile by Emperor Augustus , wrote at a critical time in Roman history, politically and culturally. The emperor was hoping to reestablish a connection to the Republic’s old religion and a reverence for the gods.

Ovid penned several works centering on both Roman myth and religion -- Metamorphoses and Fasti are two of his best-known works. His stories, while mostly Greek, contained Roman names. In Fasti he portrayed the festivals of the first six months of the old Roman calendar, the legends of the gods, and the origin of many of their rituals. While early Roman mythology maintained a deep connection with the city and its rich history, it centered on one specific legend: the birth of its supposed founders: Romulus and Remus. The Aeneid & Aeneas While the true origin of Rome varies from source to source, historical as well as fictional, one of the earliest to relate the story (reminiscent of Homer’s Odyssey) was Virgil (Vergil) in his Aeneid , a tale that related the travels of its hero, the Trojan warrior Aeneas. The Aeneid has been said to exhibit the most complete expression of Roman mythology. In the story, our hero, with the assistance of his mother, the goddess Venus (his father was a mortal named Anchises), escaped Troy with his father and a number of his fellow soldiers before the city completely succumbed to the Greeks.

This story and its connection to the Trojan War gave the Romans a link to the ancient Trojan culture. It should be noted that the story of the Trojan horse comes from Virgil, though mentioned in Homer's Odyssey. With Venus’s assistance, the defeated Trojans leave the fallen city and set sail for Italy , where it has been foretold that Aeneas would found a city. They traveled first to Greece and then, as in Homer’s tale, are blown off course. Jupiter’s wife Juno constantly interferes with Aeneas throughout the story. They land at the African city of Carthage where our hero meets the beautiful Queen Dido , and of course, love follows, and he soon forgets his true purpose. Ultimately, the god Mercury intervenes and reminds Aeneas of his destiny, causing him and his men to reluctantly leave Africa and sail away; tragically, Queen Dido commits suicide over the loss of her beloved by throwing herself on a burning pyre.

Upon landing at Cumae, Aeneas consults Sibyl, an oracle, who leads him into Hades where he not only encounters his fallen enemies and Queen Dido but also meets his recently deceased father who tells him of the great city his descendants would establish. Later, after reaching the mouth of the Tiber, the wayward Trojans enter into a war with King Turnus of the Rutuli (more of Juno’s handiwork). Venus appeals to Vulcan (the Roman version of the Greek Hephaestus ) to make Aeneas new armor and weapons as he had done for Achilles . Turnus was finally defeated and killed in a duel. A peace is ultimately reached with Aeneas marrying the king’s daughter; supposedly Jupiter had convinced Juno to end her war with Aeneas.

Jupiter *** Facts about Jupiter The following facts and profile provides a fast overview of Jupiter, the Roman god of the Skies, the Roman state and King of the Roman Gods: Jupiter Profile & Fact File Roman Name: Jupiter or Jove Role & Function: The function of Jove is described as being the god of the Skies, the Roman state and King of the Gods Status: Major God and one of the 'Dei Consentes', the Council of Gods. Symbols: His symbols were the aegis, a protective shield, the oak tree, the eagle, the bull and the thunderbolt Alternative Names: Jove Greek Counterpart: The Greek name for this god was Zeus Name of Wife: Juno Name of Father: Saturnus (Saturn) Name of Mother: Ops (Opis) Name of siblings: Brothers & sisters: Pluto, Neptune, Vesta, Juno and Ceres Names of Children: Mars, Juventia and Vulcan by Juno The Children of Jupiter Jupiter was a notorious womaniser and although he was married to Juno was renown for the number of liaisons with other women. He is famous in ancient Greek mythology for using his powers of transformation to seduce mortal women.

His liaisons with mortal women resulted in many offspring who are described as Heroes or Demigods, half god and half human. The famous children of Jove by his many lovers includes: Juno, the wife of Jove, was the mother of Ares, Hebe and Hephaestus Leto the mother of Apollo and Diana Semele the mother of Bacchus and daughter of Cadmus Maia the mother of Mercury Dione the mother of Venus Ceres, the sister and lover of Jupiter, was the mother of Proserpina Alceme the mother of Heracles (Hercules) Danae the mother of Perseus Leda the mother of Helen of Troy and Castor and Pollux Antiope the mother of Amphion by Jove Europa the mother of Minos, Aeacus, and Rhadamanthus He was also the father of Minerva who was said to have sprung from his head. For additional information refer to the Lovers of Jupiter (Zeus) Pictures of Jupiter Facts about Jupiter in Roman Mythology and History Discover interesting information and facts about Jupiter, the Roman god of the Skies and King of the Gods.

The facts about Jupiter provides a list detailing fascinating additional info to increase your knowledge about Jupiter in Roman Mythology and history. History and Mythical Facts about Jupiter Fact 1 about Jupiter: He was the husband of his sister Juno Fact 2 about Jupiter: September 4 - 19 was the Ludi Romani which were the festival of games for the people of Rome in the honor of Jupiter Fact 3 about Jupiter: The eagle was his symbol, it was his favorite bird, and bore his thunderbolts. Fact 4 about Jupiter: The Vinalia festival was dedicated to Jupiter and celebrated on 23rd April when the wine-skins of the previous year were opened and the wine tasted was dedicated to the god Fact 5 about Jupiter: Jove punished his jealous wife Juno when she attempted to drown Hercules in a storm. According to the myth she was her hung upside down from the sky Fact 6 about Jupiter: The father of Jupiter was Saturnus, who, because he was fated to be overthrown by one of his children, ate all his offspring. His mother, Ops, tricked her husband and saved her son.

Fact 7 about Jupiter: He was the father of Minerva, who in some myths is said to have sprung from his head. Fact 8 about Jupiter: He was well respected by the Romans as he dispensed justice and served as protector. Fact 9 about Jupiter: His brothers, Neptune and Pluto ruled the sea and the underworld respectively Fact 10 about Jupiter: The Capitoline Jupiter, or the Jupiter Optimus Maximus, was the great guardian of the Romans, and was represented, in his chief temple, on the Capitoline hill, as sitting on a curule chair, with the lightning in his right hand, and a sceptre in his left. Fact 11 about Jupiter: The noise in a thunder storm was attributed to the rattling of Jupiter's chariot and horses on a great arch of brass all over their heads, as they imagined that he himself flung the flames out of his hand, which dart at the same time out of the clouds, beneath the arch.

Fact 12 about Jupiter: April 13: The Ides of Aprilis on April 13 was sacred to Jupiter Victor Fact 13 about Jupiter: White steers were the blood offerings to Jupiter whereas as white cows were the offerings to Juno Fact 14 about Jupiter: Thunder was his weapon and he bore a shield called Aegis which was made for him by Vulcan. The aegis, a protective buckler shield, an example is shown in the following picture, was a symbol of the god. Jupiter (Greek Counterpart was Zeus) The Romans habitually assimilated various elements from other cultures and civilisations, including the gods and goddesses that were worshipped by the Greeks and other nations. When the Roman Empire conquered the Greeks in 146BC many of the Greek gods and goddesses were adopted by the Romans. The Romans simply changed the Greek gods names to Latin equivalents. The Greek counterpart of Jupiter was Zeus. The Roman religion significantly differed from the Greeks in that it was officially endorsed by the state and exerted influence over the government of Rome.

Politicians took the offices of influential priests, called pontiffs, to gain control of the popular worship, Roman gods and goddesses like Jupiter were worshipped at every public event, including the gladiatorial games, where Blood sacrifices were made to the gods. In ancient Rome, the pantheon of 12 major gods, including Jupiter, were called the 'Dei Consentes' meaning the Council of Gods. Jupiter and the Roman Gods Family Tree and Genealogy The Roman gods family tree provides an instant overview of the genealogy and the family connections and relationships between the main deities, including Jupiter, who feature in the legends and mythology of the ancient Romans. The Primeval gods and deities, the Titans and the Roman Olympians. Jupiter Interesting information and Facts about the Roman god Jove Jove, the Roman god of the Skies and King of the Gods Stories and Legends in Roman Mythology associated with Jupiter Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids Jove, the Roman god of the Skies and King of the Gods Saturn Saturn by Micha F. Lindemans The Roman god of agriculture concerned with the sowing of the seeds.

He is regarded as the father of Jupiter , Ceres , Juno and many others. His wife is the goddess Ops . Jupiter supposedly chased him away and he was taken in by the god Janus in Latium where he introduced agriculture and viniculture. This event heralded a period of peace, happiness and prosperity, the Golden Age. In memory of this Golden Age, each year the Saturnalia was observed on December 17 at his temple on the Forum Romanum. This temple, below the Capitoline Hill, contained the Royal Treasury and is one of the oldest in Rome. The Saturnalia was one of the major events of the year. Originally only one day, it was later extended to seven days. During this festival, business was suspended, the roles of master and slaves were reversed, moral restrictions were loosened and gifts were exchanged. Offerings made in his honor were done with uncovered heads, contrary to the Roman tradition. In contrast to his festival, Saturn himself was never very popular. From the 3rd century on, he was identified with the Greek Cronus , and his cult became only marginally more popular. That he ruled over the Golden Age is an extension to the Greek myth. Saturday is named after him.

Article details: Myth: Jupiter, Juno, and Little Io - Ancient Rome for Kids FAQ, About Us This is the story of Jupiter, Juno, and Little Io Jupiter was the king of all the gods. Ably assisted by his two brothers, Pluto (who Jupiter put in charge of the underworld) and Neptune (who Jupiter put in charge of the seas), Jupiter ruled the heavens, the earth, and all life. No god was more powerful than Jupiter. And no major decision was made without Jupiter's approval. It was nice being in charge, but sometimes Jupiter found things a bit boring. Jupiter thought about what he could do. He could turn himself into an octopus and visit his brother Neptune under the sea, but he didn't feel much like a swim. He could visit Pluto under the earth, but Pluto was such a gloomy fellow. He could hurl thunderbolts, but it wasn't much fun without a target. He could hunt up one of the other gods. But the truth was, all the other gods were terrified of Jupiter. He did have a terrible temper, but only when someone lied to him. Since the gods often lied, they mostly avoided Jupiter. He could call for his wife, Juno.

But the truth was, Juno was very busy. It was nearing the day of her festival (March 1st), when all the married women in Rome celebrated her and thanked her for all she did for them. Juno was busy whispering suggestions in many a matron's ear. Jupiter almost never visited earth. But he did watch over it. From the heavens, Jupiter spotted two men walking along a lane. Jupiter threw his voice down to earth, making it sound like someone speaking. He was very good at that. "Hey stupid," Jupiter cast his voice loudly, hoping to start a fight. One man turned to the other angrily. "What did you say?" And before you could say Jupiter, the two men were fighting. Jupiter found that very funny. A glint on the river caught his eye. It was Io, a lovely river nymph. "What a lovely young woman," Jupiter said. Jupiter covered heaven and earth with some really thick clouds and brought Io up to visit him. The thick coat of clouds made Juno suspicious. Jupiter looked up. "It's Juno!" he blinked. Quickly, Jupiter changed Io into a cow.

When Juno appeared by his side, all she found was an innocent looking Jupiter standing next to a little white cow. "This little cow appeared out of nowhere," he told his wife, acting surprised. Juno wasn't fooled. "What a beautiful cow," she gushed admiringly. "May I have it as a present?" Jupiter had to agree. Juno sent the cow away under guard. Jupiter arranged for Io to be rescued and set free. He sent his son Apollo to sing the guard asleep. When the guard closed his eyes, Apollo flew Io back to her river. But he forgot to change Io back into human form. When Juno heard that Io had escaped, she sent a gadfly after Io. A gadfly is a fly that bites. "Moo moo," Io screamed, when the gadfly found her. Io swam awkwardly to the mouth of the river, where it joins the sea, hoping the gadfly would not follow her. (Cows are not the best of swimmers.) "Moo moo," Io screamed, when the gadfly found her again. Feeling very sorry for herself, a dispirited Io traveled next to Egypt. Egypt was a dismal place for a river nymph.

There are no crocodiles in the Tiber as there are in the Nile. When Juno heard about it, she flew to Egypt and changed Io back into her original form. "Thank you, Juno!" Io cried humbly. "Yes, well," mumbled Juno, her mind on her festival. "Find a husband, child." She flew quickly away, leaving poor Io in Egypt. Io, after all, was a river nymph. Sighing heavily all the way, Io swam home. The Question: This story is remarkably similar to an ancient Greek story about Zeus, Hera, and Little Io - very similar indeed. What is the same and what is different, and why is that? The Answer: The Romans worshiped thousands of gods. As they expanded their empire, they discovered new gods worshiped by other cultures. They adopted the ones they liked. They gave most of their adopted gods Roman names, and acted as if they had been Roman gods all along. When they discovered the Greek gods, they adopted them all! Zeus became Jupiter. Hera became Juno. Apollo was one of the few Greek gods whose name did not change. (Io was not a god.

She was a water spirit, and thus not very important, which is why she got to keep her name.) The Romans changed some of the personalities of the gods to better reflect Roman beliefs. They also changed some of the myths to better reflect the Roman way of life. In Roman mythology, for example, Jupiter rarely, if ever, came down to earth. He was always King of the Gods, ruler of the heavens. In Greek mythology, Zeus was forever down and about on earth in various disguises, causing all kinds of trouble. Hera, the Greek Queen of all the Gods, was a vindictive and jealous wife, who spent a great deal of her time keeping an eye on her husband, Zeus. Juno, the Roman Queen of all the Gods, was more concerned with watching over the women of Rome and her own children and household than she was with her husband's activities, although she had her thoughtless and jealous moments, as do we all. BBC - Primary History - Romans - Religion Primary History Did Romans believe in life after death? What kind of gods did Romans worship? 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. These are a few of the old Roman gods: Saturn: once king of the gods, his place was taken by his son (Jupiter). Saturn was the god of seed-sowing. A merry Roman holiday or festival, the Saturnalia, was named after him. Jupiter: god of the sky, he was the most important god. Juno: Jupiter's wife, she looked after women. Neptune: Jupiter's brother, he was the god of the sea. Minerva: goddess of wisdom and women's work, such as weaving cloth. Mars: god of war, though originally god of farming. Venus: goddess of love, she was the lover of Mars. Back to top Why did the Romans borrow new gods? 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. Roman soldiers worshipped Mithras, a god from Iran.

A soldier going on a journey might ask Mercury (god of travel) for help, as well as Mithras the soldiers' god and he might also make a sacrifice to Neptune (the sea god) if he had to travel by ship! Back to top What went on a Roman temple? People worshipped the gods in special buildings called temples. Inside the temple was a statue of a god. Priests looked after the temple. People went there to make sacrifices or offerings of food, flowers or money. Sometimes the priest killed an animal, such as a bull, as part of the sacrifice ceremony. Some Emperors said they were gods too, so everyone had to make a sacrifice to the Emperor. Romans also had gods at home. They believed in household spirits that protected the family. They had miniature temples, or shrines, in their homes. The family would make offerings of food and drink to the household gods, and pray for good luck and protection. Back to top Did Romans believe in life after death? The Romans believed that a person's spirit went to the underworld after the person died. To get there, the dead needed to cross the River Styx.

The dead person's family would leave a coin on the dead body, to pay the ferryman, whose name was Charon. Some of these old beliefs changed when Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman Empire by the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD. Before then, Christians got into trouble because they refused to worship the emperor as a god. Some Christians were arrested and put to death. Fun Facts During the Saturnalia holiday, rich Romans were supposed to wait on their slaves. Janus, the Roman god of doorways, had two faces! One faced forwards, the other backwards. The month January is named after Janus. Neptune, the sea god, had a son called Triton who was half-man, half-fish. Where did the Romans put a coin so a dead person wouldn't lose it on the way to the underworld? In their mouth, of course! The Romans believed people called soothsayers or augurs could tell what the gods wanted and foretell the future by cutting open dead animals and looking at the insides. Romans believed every boy and girl had a guardian-spirit to watch over them. BBC © 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. A to D Acropolis [a-CROP-olis] The Acropolis is a large hill in the centre of Athens. On top of it were many temples and other buildings, the remains of which can be seen today. amphitheatre A place like a stadium, where Romans went to watch animals and people fighting. aqueduct A system of pipes and channels used to bring water into towns. archaeological site A place such as a ruined fort studied by archaeologists. archaeologists People who study the past by looking at old things, often found underground. archaeology Studying the past by looking at old things, often found underground. Aristophanes [aris-TOF-a-neez] Lived in Athens in the 5th century BC. He wrote comedies for the theatre in Athens.

Aspasia [as-PAY-zia] Was a woman to taught public speaking in Athens. She was the partner of the famous general Perikles. Aspasia had much more independence than most women in Athens. barbarian A person who lived outside the Roman Empire, seen by Romans as violent and uncivilized. basilica A large building where town business was carried out (like a modern Town Hall). assembly The Assembly was the public meeting of the giovernment of the city. All citizens could take part and vote there. Athena The patron goddess of Athens. A huge statue of Athena stood outside the Parthenon. Attica [A-tik-a] A wind instrument with a reed similar to a modern oboe. capital city Main city of a country, the centre of government. catapult A machine that threw rocks or burning tar at the enemies. In Latin it was called an onager. cavalry Soldiers who fight on horseback. chariot Cart with two wheels pulled by horses. Romans raced chariots, and Celtic warriors rode into battle on them. celts People who lived in Europe, including Britain, and who fought the Romans.

centurion An officer commanding about 80 legionaries. citizen Person with special rights such as the right to vote and own property in the Roman Empire. Only men could be full Roman citizens. cohort There were ten cohorts in a legion. crossbow Weapon like a bow and arrow, only the string is pulled back by turning a handle and the bow is fired by releasing a trigger. In Latin it was called a ballista druids The priests of the old Celtic religion. E to G Process where people vote to choose the people they want to be in charge. empire A large area with many people ruled by one strong leader, called an emperor. forum An open space in the middle of a town for markets and meeting people (like a market square). It was the centre of Roman town life. fort A building with walls to keep out enemies, used by soldiers. foundations Firm base for a road or building. general leader of an army, the soldier giving the orders to everyone else. gladiator A person trained to fight other gladiators or animals in amphitheatres. governor The ruler of Roman Britain, who worked for the Roman Emperor. H to L hypocaust Roman central heating.

Hot air from a furnace (fire) flowed through gaps between walls and flooring latin The language spoken and written by the Romans legate The officer commanding a whole legion. legion The main battle unit of the Roman army, its soldiers were called legionaries. There were between 4,000 and 6,000 legionaries in a legion. legend A story made up about people in the past M to O A pattern made from coloured pieces of stones and pottery. myth A made-up story, often about gods and spirits, told to explain things such as why the sun rises and sets every day. P to Z Money paid to a retired worker or soldier. picts people who lived in Scotland republic A country without a king, queen or emperor. The Roman republic was ruled by the elected Senate. Most countries today are republics. sacred Something that is believed to be holy and to have a special connection with a god or gods. scroll Roman book, written on a long strip of paper rolled around a stick. senate The Roman government, made up of senators. senator A person elected to the Roman Senate who helped run the government. Some countries today, like the U.S.A., have senators.

sewage Dirty water and toilet waste which flows into sewers from drains and toilets. sewers Pipes or tunnels that carry away sewage. slave Someone who can be sold to another person to work for nothing. A slave is not free and has no rights. slingshot Weapon for throwing stones, made from a long strip of leather and whirled around by the thrower. standard Roman army emblem, a pole with special decorations (such as a metal eagle) carried by a soldier. Each legion had its own standards. stirrups the metal holder for a rider's foot. Attached to a horse's saddle by a leather strap. strigil A metal object used in Roman baths to scrape sweat, dirt and excess oil off. stylus A metal pen for scratching words into soft wax on wooden tablets. taxes Money or items taken by the government from people, to pay for things like the army, wars, emperor's palaces and building roads. Thatched roofs Roofs of buildings made from bundles of straw or reeds. treadmill Machine like a big wheel inside which slaves walked round, to turn the machine. tribe A group of people who live in one part of a country and are ruled by a chief.

tutor A teacher who gives lessons to a student at home. underworld A gloomy place where Romans believed your soul went after you died. villa A large house in the country. Some Roman villas were farmhouses and some were like palaces. warrior A trained soldier, someone used to fighting in wars. wreath Juno is named after Roman God Jupiter’s wife | Technology News | Inshorts Juno is named after Roman God Jupiter’s wife short by Abhishek Bansal / 06:54 pm on 05 Jul 2016,Tuesday NASA’s mission to Jupiter is named after the Roman Goddess Juno, who is considered the wife of Roman God Jupiter. In Roman mythology, Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself for hiding. It was Juno who was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiter's true nature. Notably, Juno is designed to study Jupiter's origin and evolution. short by Abhishek Bansal / 06:54 pm on 05 Jul read more at NASA

Question: In Roman mythology who was the wife of Jupiter?
Answer: Juno