Greek arrivals in RomeGreek arrivals in Rome

1.1. Chronos and Dionysos 2. Chronos and Dionysos 2. Demeratos and the house of Demeratos and the house of

the Tarquinsthe Tarquins2.2. 3. Etruscan Augury3. Etruscan Augury

SaturnusSaturnus KronosKronos (Chronos) = Time – 2 (Chronos) = Time – 2ndnd generation gods generation gods Saturnus Saturnus Greek myth: Kronos tried to swallow his children, thrown Greek myth: Kronos tried to swallow his children, thrown

into Tartarusinto Tartarus Roman myth: Saturnus flees from Jupiter and the place he Roman myth: Saturnus flees from Jupiter and the place he

lies hidden (lies hidden (latebaslatebas) = Latium) = Latium Saturnus both bringer of civilization (associated with Saturnus both bringer of civilization (associated with

sowing)sowing) And symbol of time before civilization - dangerous = statue And symbol of time before civilization - dangerous = statue

in temple shackledin temple shackled Hercules abolished human sacrifice to SaturnusHercules abolished human sacrifice to Saturnus One version of story explains tossing of straw figures of One version of story explains tossing of straw figures of

Argives replaced real sacrificeArgives replaced real sacrifice Saturn’s temple also treasury - associated with Saturn’s temple also treasury - associated with

introduction of coinage introduction of coinage

Dionysos’ ArrivalDionysos’ Arrival Hercules at Tiber with cattle responds to cries for Hercules at Tiber with cattle responds to cries for

help from Ino with a baby son Melikertes, chased by help from Ino with a baby son Melikertes, chased by Bacchantes (followers of Dionysos)Bacchantes (followers of Dionysos)

Hercules became a god - Hercules became a god - apotheosisapotheosis Ino, daughter of Kadmus, king of Thebes, sister of Ino, daughter of Kadmus, king of Thebes, sister of

Semele who was mother of Dionysos (son of Zeus) – Semele who was mother of Dionysos (son of Zeus) – Ino took care of baby DionysosIno took care of baby Dionysos

Ino became goddess Leukothea (Greek) Matuta Ino became goddess Leukothea (Greek) Matuta (Latin), her son god Palaemon (Greek), Portunus (Latin), her son god Palaemon (Greek), Portunus (Latin)(Latin)

Story – aitiology for Dionysos’ arrivalStory – aitiology for Dionysos’ arrival Dionysos = LiberDionysos = Liber Introduced Italians (and earlier the Greeks) to Introduced Italians (and earlier the Greeks) to

viticultureviticulture Falernian Wine – famous wine in antiquityFalernian Wine – famous wine in antiquity

the Greek the Greek heros heros (hero) (hero) The hero in Poetry - the great Greek heroes of myth (i.e. Achilles, The hero in Poetry - the great Greek heroes of myth (i.e. Achilles,

Odysseus), they are noble, well-born and alive – also self-centred, out Odysseus), they are noble, well-born and alive – also self-centred, out for personal glory and honourfor personal glory and honour

The cult hero - is dead! The cult hero - is dead! hero of worship = denotes a human being who continues to exert power hero of worship = denotes a human being who continues to exert power

after death and has to be propitiated through prayers and offerings. after death and has to be propitiated through prayers and offerings. A hero commonly has a divine and a human parent and is mortal A hero commonly has a divine and a human parent and is mortal Traditionally heroes are founders of cities, races (Aeneas), families Traditionally heroes are founders of cities, races (Aeneas), families

(iulus, Nautes) etc., (iulus, Nautes) etc., Hero more important in Greek mythology and religion than in Roman; Hero more important in Greek mythology and religion than in Roman;

Greeks have 5 mythological ages of man, including the age of heroes, Greeks have 5 mythological ages of man, including the age of heroes, Romans only 4; Most important hero in Greek myth – Heracles – Romans only 4; Most important hero in Greek myth – Heracles – appears in Roman myth but not as prominentappears in Roman myth but not as prominent

Heroes symbolize uncivilized aspect but also are bringers of civilizationHeroes symbolize uncivilized aspect but also are bringers of civilization Romans dropped age of Heroes when they adopted Greek mythological Romans dropped age of Heroes when they adopted Greek mythological

traditiontradition

Hero in CultHero in Cult Most were anonymous Most were anonymous chthonic powers (dwelt under the earth) chthonic powers (dwelt under the earth) HeroonHeroon – (Latin – (Latin tumulitumuli) large burial mound (at ) large burial mound (at

end of Greek dark ages new settlers found them end of Greek dark ages new settlers found them and believed that they belonged to mythological and believed that they belonged to mythological heroes); heroes); tumulitumuli – also recorded in Italy – also recorded in Italy

Cult involved a tomb (Cult involved a tomb (heroonheroon); ); sacrifices to chthonic powers were poured onto sacrifices to chthonic powers were poured onto

ground (not burned on altar)ground (not burned on altar) These dead heroes were considered to be These dead heroes were considered to be

intermediaries between gods and humansintermediaries between gods and humans Offered protection while they could harm at the Offered protection while they could harm at the

same time - needed to be appeasedsame time - needed to be appeased

The Seven Kings of RomeThe Seven Kings of Rome

RomulusRomulusNuma PompiliusNuma PompiliusTullus HostiliusTullus HostiliusAncus MarciusAncus MarciusTarquinius PriscusTarquinius PriscusServius TulliusServius TulliusTarquinius SuperbusTarquinius Superbus

Demeratos of Corinth and the Demeratos of Corinth and the TarquinsTarquins

Corinth at Isthmus – connecting Greek mainland with PeloponneseCorinth at Isthmus – connecting Greek mainland with Peloponnese Extremely wealthy cityExtremely wealthy city Cult of Poseidon HippiosCult of Poseidon Hippios Isthmian Games (biannual festival)Isthmian Games (biannual festival) Leading family the Bacchiadai, disposed of in 657 BC, Leading family the Bacchiadai, disposed of in 657 BC, One member of family, Demeratos, wealthy from trade with One member of family, Demeratos, wealthy from trade with

Etruscans, went with followers to Etruria and settled at Tarquinii, Etruscans, went with followers to Etruria and settled at Tarquinii, married women from local nobilitymarried women from local nobility

one source claims became kingone source claims became king Had a son Locumo (= king in Etruscan), married local aristocrat Had a son Locumo (= king in Etruscan), married local aristocrat

TanaquilTanaquil Could not get the high position in Etruscan society, packed up his Could not get the high position in Etruscan society, packed up his

wife and wealth and left , wife and wealth and left , On road at Janiculum, gods sent him sign - - eagle snatched his On road at Janiculum, gods sent him sign - - eagle snatched his

hat off, Tanaqui read the omen, settled at Rome, used hat off, Tanaqui read the omen, settled at Rome, used Demaratos’ treasure, became fifth king of RomeDemaratos’ treasure, became fifth king of Rome

Locumo of Tarquinii – latinized as Lucius TarquiniusLocumo of Tarquinii – latinized as Lucius Tarquinius Their son Tarquinius Superbus – last king at RomeTheir son Tarquinius Superbus – last king at Rome

Tarquinius (Priscus)Tarquinius (Priscus) Introduced Corinthian cult of Poseidon Hippios as Latin Neptunus Introduced Corinthian cult of Poseidon Hippios as Latin Neptunus

Equester, Equester, identified with local deity Consus (common to identify local deity identified with local deity Consus (common to identify local deity

with imported god/cult)with imported god/cult) Introduced Roman form of Isthmian Games in honour of Introduced Roman form of Isthmian Games in honour of

Poseidon/Neptune (biennual games – part of Panhellenic game Poseidon/Neptune (biennual games – part of Panhellenic game circuit) circuit)

Circus named after Circe, daughter of sun god Helios, the other Circus named after Circe, daughter of sun god Helios, the other patron of Corinthpatron of Corinth

Corinthian cult of Aphrodite – in Greek myth came ashore naked, Corinthian cult of Aphrodite – in Greek myth came ashore naked, where she landed, myrtles grew as to protect from satyrs where she landed, myrtles grew as to protect from satyrs

On slope of Aventine hill – myrtle grove site of cult of Fortuna On slope of Aventine hill – myrtle grove site of cult of Fortuna Virilis (Fortune of Men)Virilis (Fortune of Men)

Cult required married women to be available to their husbands on Cult required married women to be available to their husbands on first day of April (months of Aphrodite), like the earlier temple first day of April (months of Aphrodite), like the earlier temple prostitutesprostitutes

Corinthian connection important in story about house of Tarquinii Corinthian connection important in story about house of Tarquinii

Rome’s OpennessRome’s Openness Livy, Livy, ab urbe conditaab urbe condita 1.34 1.34 ““The Etruscans looked down upon Locumo as the son The Etruscans looked down upon Locumo as the son

of a foreign refugee; she [Tanaquil] could not brook of a foreign refugee; she [Tanaquil] could not brook this indignity, and forgetting all ties of patriotism if this indignity, and forgetting all ties of patriotism if only she could see her husband honoured, resolved to only she could see her husband honoured, resolved to emigrate from Tarquinii. Rome seemed the most emigrate from Tarquinii. Rome seemed the most suitable place for her purpose. She felt that among a suitable place for her purpose. She felt that among a young nation where all nobility is a thing of recent young nation where all nobility is a thing of recent growth and won by personal merit, there would be growth and won by personal merit, there would be room for a man of courage and energy. She room for a man of courage and energy. She remembered that the Sabine Tatius had reigned there, remembered that the Sabine Tatius had reigned there, that Numa had been summoned from Cures to fill the that Numa had been summoned from Cures to fill the throne, that Ancus himself was sprung from a Sabine throne, that Ancus himself was sprung from a Sabine mother….mother….

Etruscan Arts (augury)Etruscan Arts (augury)

1.341.34““They had got as far as the Janiculum They had got as far as the Janiculum

when a hovering eagle swooped gently when a hovering eagle swooped gently down and took off his cap as he was down and took off his cap as he was sitting by his wife’s side in the carriage, sitting by his wife’s side in the carriage, then circling round the vehicle with loud then circling round the vehicle with loud cries, as though commissioned by heaven cries, as though commissioned by heaven for this service, replaced it carefully upon for this service, replaced it carefully upon his head and soared away. his head and soared away. It is said that It is said that Tanaquil, who like most Etruscans, Tanaquil, who like most Etruscans, was expert in interpreting celestial was expert in interpreting celestial prodigiesprodigies, was delighted at the omen.” , was delighted at the omen.”

The role of auguryThe role of augury 1.361.36 ““now as Romulus had acted under the sanction of the now as Romulus had acted under the sanction of the

auspices, Attius Navius, a celebrated augur at that time, auspices, Attius Navius, a celebrated augur at that time, insisted that no change could be made, nothing new insisted that no change could be made, nothing new introduced, unless the birds gave a favourable omen. The introduced, unless the birds gave a favourable omen. The king’s anger was roused, and in mockery of the augur’s skill king’s anger was roused, and in mockery of the augur’s skill he is reported to have said,” come, you diviner, find out by he is reported to have said,” come, you diviner, find out by your augury whether what I am now contemplating can be your augury whether what I am now contemplating can be done.” Attius, after consulting the omens, declared that it done.” Attius, after consulting the omens, declared that it could. “Well,” the king replied, “I had in my mind that you could. “Well,” the king replied, “I had in my mind that you should cut a whetstone with a razor. Take these, and should cut a whetstone with a razor. Take these, and perform the feat which your birds portend can be done.” It is perform the feat which your birds portend can be done.” It is said that without the slightest hesitation he cut it through. …said that without the slightest hesitation he cut it through. …At all events, auguries and the college of augurs were held in At all events, auguries and the college of augurs were held in such honour that nothing was undertaken in peace or war such honour that nothing was undertaken in peace or war without their sanction: the curies, the assembly of the without their sanction: the curies, the assembly of the centuries, matters of the highest importance, were centuries, matters of the highest importance, were suspended or broken if the omen of the birds was suspended or broken if the omen of the birds was unfavourable.unfavourable.

The First TarquinThe First Tarquin 1.34 “During the reign of Ancus 1.34 “During the reign of Ancus a wealthy and ambitious man a wealthy and ambitious man

named Lucumo removed to Rome, mainly with the hope and named Lucumo removed to Rome, mainly with the hope and desire of winning high distinction, for which no opportunity had desire of winning high distinction, for which no opportunity had existed in Tarquinii, since there he was also an alien. … existed in Tarquinii, since there he was also an alien. …

1.35 Ancus reigned twenty-four years, unsurpassed by any of his 1.35 Ancus reigned twenty-four years, unsurpassed by any of his predecessors in ability and reputation, both in the field and at predecessors in ability and reputation, both in the field and at home. His sons had now almost reached manhood. Tarquin was all home. His sons had now almost reached manhood. Tarquin was all the more anxious for the election of the new king to be held as the more anxious for the election of the new king to be held as soon as possible. At the time fixed for it he sent the boys out of soon as possible. At the time fixed for it he sent the boys out of the way on a huntingthe way on a hunting expedition expedition. ….. ….

Though in all other respects an excellent man,Though in all other respects an excellent man, his ambition, his ambition, which impelled him to seek the crown, followed him on to which impelled him to seek the crown, followed him on to the throne; with the design of strengthening himself the throne; with the design of strengthening himself quite quite as much as of increasing the State, he made a hundred new as much as of increasing the State, he made a hundred new senators. These were afterwards called “The Lesser Houses” and senators. These were afterwards called “The Lesser Houses” and formed a body of uncompromising supporters of the king, though whose kindness they had entered the senate.”

Titus Livius (Livy) Titus Livius (Livy) and Early Roman Historyand Early Roman History

The historian Livy ( 64 or 59 B.C. – A.D. 17) The historian Livy ( 64 or 59 B.C. – A.D. 17) Work: Work: ab urbe condita ( from the founding of Rome) ab urbe condita ( from the founding of Rome)

an enormous history of Rome from its foundation to an enormous history of Rome from its foundation to his own time, contains many traditional stories about his own time, contains many traditional stories about early Roman history that are not historical factsearly Roman history that are not historical facts

Stories reflect traditional Roman ideals and values, Stories reflect traditional Roman ideals and values, not necessarily those of the early Romans, but not necessarily those of the early Romans, but rather of later periods and of Livy’s own period. rather of later periods and of Livy’s own period.

Important: history reflects Roman vision of the pastImportant: history reflects Roman vision of the past Stories provide many Stories provide many exemplaexempla (examples) of (examples) of

exemplary Roman men and women who act exemplary Roman men and women who act according to Roman values, and examples of those according to Roman values, and examples of those who do not. who do not.

Livy’s sourcesLivy’s sources

Early books, no reliable sourcesEarly books, no reliable sources Used previous writers; some archaeological Used previous writers; some archaeological

evidence such as monuments and statues around – evidence such as monuments and statues around – tries to link some legends to surviving monumentstries to link some legends to surviving monuments

After 390 BCE more sources availableAfter 390 BCE more sources available Relies on many Greek writers and Roman annalists, Relies on many Greek writers and Roman annalists, As more sources available he is able to As more sources available he is able to

differentiate and argues in favour of one or the differentiate and argues in favour of one or the other other

Early history - traditional legends – selected from Early history - traditional legends – selected from several earlier versions. His version of the regal several earlier versions. His version of the regal period only ¼ of length of that by Dionysius of period only ¼ of length of that by Dionysius of Halicarnassus (c. 70 – 7 BCE)Halicarnassus (c. 70 – 7 BCE)

Livy’s prologueLivy’s prologue

““Events before the city was founded or planned, Events before the city was founded or planned, which have been handed down more as pleasing which have been handed down more as pleasing poetic fictions than as reliable records of historical poetic fictions than as reliable records of historical events, I intend neither to affirm nor to refute. To events, I intend neither to affirm nor to refute. To antiquity we grant the indulgence of making the antiquity we grant the indulgence of making the origins of cities more impressive by commingling the origins of cities more impressive by commingling the human with the divine, and if any people should be human with the divine, and if any people should be permitted to sanctify its inception and reckon the permitted to sanctify its inception and reckon the gods as its founders, surely the glory of the Roman gods as its founders, surely the glory of the Roman people in war such that, when it boasts Mars in people in war such that, when it boasts Mars in particular as its parent and the parent of its founder, particular as its parent and the parent of its founder, the nations of the world would as easily acquiesce in the nations of the world would as easily acquiesce in this claim as they do in our rule.” this claim as they do in our rule.”

The nature of the Traditional stories The nature of the Traditional stories from Rome’s early historyfrom Rome’s early history

Not factual accounts, but how Romans Not factual accounts, but how Romans of later periods viewed their past;of later periods viewed their past;

Stories are anachronistic - they reflect Stories are anachronistic - they reflect not so much values 6not so much values 6thth to 4 to 4thth centuries centuries of the city but values of later periods of the city but values of later periods shared by Livy’s own contemporaries. shared by Livy’s own contemporaries.

Stories are also an illustration of how Stories are also an illustration of how the Roman themselves envisioned the the Roman themselves envisioned the history of their state.history of their state.