Myths and Legends in Greek Myths and Legends in Greek and Roman Historyand Roman History

By: Arti Jalan, Chelsea Brault and By: Arti Jalan, Chelsea Brault and Vanessa LongshawVanessa Longshaw

Romulus and Remus: The Romulus and Remus: The Beginning of RomeBeginning of Rome• This tale is the foundation legend of RomeThis tale is the foundation legend of Rome• When their mother, a Roman princess, was murdered by a wicked When their mother, a Roman princess, was murdered by a wicked

uncle, the baby twins Romulus and Remus were thrown into the Tiberuncle, the baby twins Romulus and Remus were thrown into the Tiber• They were rescued by the river god Tiberinus and raised by a she-They were rescued by the river god Tiberinus and raised by a she-

wolf, who reared the boys as her ownwolf, who reared the boys as her own• She nurtured them and taught them the ferocity of wolves and their She nurtured them and taught them the ferocity of wolves and their

pack loyaltypack loyalty• Once Romulus and Remus decided to build the city, the two argued Once Romulus and Remus decided to build the city, the two argued

over where the exact position of the city should be. Romulus was set over where the exact position of the city should be. Romulus was set on building the city upon the Palatine, but while Remus wanted to on building the city upon the Palatine, but while Remus wanted to before fortified Aventine Hill, a place for royals When Remus was before fortified Aventine Hill, a place for royals When Remus was infuriated by Romulus’s victory, and as Romulus began digging a infuriated by Romulus’s victory, and as Romulus began digging a trench where his city's wall was to run on April 21trench where his city's wall was to run on April 21stst, 753 BC, he , 753 BC, he ridiculed some parts of the work, and obstructed others. At last, ridiculed some parts of the work, and obstructed others. At last, Remus leaped across the trench, an omen of bad luck, since this Remus leaped across the trench, an omen of bad luck, since this implied that his city was easily breached, Romulus killed him that implied that his city was easily breached, Romulus killed him that instant instant

• Romulus founded the city of Rome, which was named after him. Romulus founded the city of Rome, which was named after him.

Romulus and Remus Romulus and Remus TimelineTimeline

________________________________________________________________________________Baby twins are thrown into the Tiber

A she-wolf saved them and brought them up

They wanted to found a city together, but fell out and fought to the death

Romulus won and established the city

Rome was founded in 753 BCE

Illustration of the she-wolf and Romulus and Remus

Modern day picture of the Tiber River

Hercules and the Twelve Hercules and the Twelve LaboursLabours • The name Hercules was Roman in origin and represented the The name Hercules was Roman in origin and represented the

greatest hero of Greek mythology, greatest hero of Greek mythology, • Called Herakles in Greek legendsCalled Herakles in Greek legends• Hercules’ father was the supreme god Zeus and his mother was Hercules’ father was the supreme god Zeus and his mother was

the mortal woman Alcmenethe mortal woman Alcmene• Zeus’s queen Hera was often jealous of Hercules, and when he Zeus’s queen Hera was often jealous of Hercules, and when he

was still an infant she sent two snakes to kill him in his cribwas still an infant she sent two snakes to kill him in his crib• Hercules was found later happily in his crib with the two strangled Hercules was found later happily in his crib with the two strangled

serpents in each handserpents in each hand• Hera was determined to make trouble for Hercules and made him Hera was determined to make trouble for Hercules and made him

lose his mind. While in this confused and angry state he killed both lose his mind. While in this confused and angry state he killed both his wife and childrenhis wife and children

• When he awaked from this trance he prayed to the god Apollo for When he awaked from this trance he prayed to the god Apollo for guidance and was told he had to serve the king Eurystheus guidance and was told he had to serve the king Eurystheus

• As part of his sentence, Hercules had to perform 12 laboursAs part of his sentence, Hercules had to perform 12 labours

The Twelve Labours of The Twelve Labours of Hercules Hercules

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One: Kill the Nemean Lion

Two: Kill the Lernean Hydra

Three: Capture the Cerynian HindFour: Capture the Erymanthian Boar

Five: Clean the Augean Stables

Six: Kill the Stymphalian Birds

Seven: Capture the Cretan Bull

Eight: Capture the Horses of Diomedes

Nine: Take the Girdle of the Amazon QueenTen:

Capture the Cattle of Geryon

Eleven: Take the Golden Apples of the Hesperides

Twelve: Capture Cerberus

Picture of Hercules with the Nemean Lion

Zeus: Father of Gods and Zeus: Father of Gods and MenMen• Youngest son of Cronus and RheaYoungest son of Cronus and Rhea• As supreme ruler, enforced laws, justice and moralsAs supreme ruler, enforced laws, justice and morals• He was always associated as being a weather god by Greek tribes which came south He was always associated as being a weather god by Greek tribes which came south

from the Balkans around 2100 BCEfrom the Balkans around 2100 BCE• He controlled lighting, thunder and rainHe controlled lighting, thunder and rain• Was hidden by his mother Rhea from his father Cronus who had gotten a prophecy Was hidden by his mother Rhea from his father Cronus who had gotten a prophecy

that one of his children would try to overthrow him, and therefore swallowed all of his that one of his children would try to overthrow him, and therefore swallowed all of his children upon birth, except for Zeus who was rescued and hidden by his motherchildren upon birth, except for Zeus who was rescued and hidden by his mother

• Was raised by the divine goat Amaltheia in a cave on Mt. Olympus, surrounded by Was raised by the divine goat Amaltheia in a cave on Mt. Olympus, surrounded by lesser gods named Kouretes who would make noise to stop Cronus from hearing the lesser gods named Kouretes who would make noise to stop Cronus from hearing the baby’s crybaby’s cry

• Revolted against his father forcing him to regurgitate his all his swallow children ,and Revolted against his father forcing him to regurgitate his all his swallow children ,and the Titans and banished them, gaining rule over the heavens and his brother the Titans and banished them, gaining rule over the heavens and his brother Poseidon gaining rule over the seas and Hades over the underworldPoseidon gaining rule over the seas and Hades over the underworld

• Had many children, his estranged and unhappy wife and sister, Hera, bore him Ares, Had many children, his estranged and unhappy wife and sister, Hera, bore him Ares, Hephaestus, Hebe and Elleithyia, Artemis and Apollo were born from his liaison with Hephaestus, Hebe and Elleithyia, Artemis and Apollo were born from his liaison with Leto ( meaning Leto ( meaning hidden one hidden one ), great Greek warrior Heracles of ), great Greek warrior Heracles of Hercules Hercules came from came from Zeus’ union with mortal AlcmeneZeus’ union with mortal Alcmene

• Zeus fathered more than 50 offspringZeus fathered more than 50 offspring• Has many sanctuaries named and temples named after him, Olympia being the most Has many sanctuaries named and temples named after him, Olympia being the most

famousfamous• Is usually portrayed as a bearded middle aged man with a youthful figure and is Is usually portrayed as a bearded middle aged man with a youthful figure and is

always regal and imposingalways regal and imposing

Zeus’ TimelineZeus’ Timeline

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Was born to Rhea in Crete, hidden from his father Cronus who swallowed his children

Was raised by a goat Amaltheia on Mount Ida in Crete in the company of Kouretes, a group of smaller gods

When he grew up, he forced Cronus to regurgitate his children by cutting open his stomach, overthrowing the Titans

Shared the world with his elder brothers Poseidon and Hades, Zeus ruled over the heavens, Poseidon the sea, Hades got the underworld

Married his sister Hera, their children were Hephaestus, Eilethyia, Hebe and Ares

Had many extramarital affairs with various goddesses, most known are Demeter, Latona, Dione and Maia and mortal women notably Semele, Io, Europa and Leda, all of which giving him over 50 offspring, such as Aphrodite, Hermes and Hercules

Statue of Zeus’ wife Hera

Influences on Civilization: Influences on Civilization: RomeRomeGeographical InfluenceGeographical Influence

The legend of Romulus and Remus influences the geographical The legend of Romulus and Remus influences the geographical situation of Rome. The baby twins came ashore to an area near the situation of Rome. The baby twins came ashore to an area near the Tiber River, which they later established as Rome. If the she-wolf had Tiber River, which they later established as Rome. If the she-wolf had not picked them up at that particular spot, they would likely have not picked them up at that particular spot, they would likely have floated downstream and established Rome in a completely different floated downstream and established Rome in a completely different location. This would have completely changed the Romans way of location. This would have completely changed the Romans way of life.life.People believed the legend to be the founding of their city and it was People believed the legend to be the founding of their city and it was regarded as the beginning of the major empire that was to be Rome!regarded as the beginning of the major empire that was to be Rome!

Social InfluenceSocial InfluenceIn the legend, Romulus kills Remus. Since the beginning of Rome In the legend, Romulus kills Remus. Since the beginning of Rome was founded on bloodshed, this could be where the Romans was founded on bloodshed, this could be where the Romans acquired their violent temperaments. acquired their violent temperaments.

Influences of Civilization: Influences of Civilization: GreeceGreeceGeographical InfluenceGeographical Influence

The gods were said to have lived on Mt. Olympus which is an actual place in The gods were said to have lived on Mt. Olympus which is an actual place in Greece and is a tourist attraction. Many of the gods were born on certain Greek Greece and is a tourist attraction. Many of the gods were born on certain Greek islands, for example, Zeus was born on the island of Crete, these legends islands, for example, Zeus was born on the island of Crete, these legends incorporate reality with fiction by having these gods born on Earth.incorporate reality with fiction by having these gods born on Earth.

Social InfluenceSocial InfluenceZeus fathered many of the gods and thus started the Greek mythological Zeus fathered many of the gods and thus started the Greek mythological society. The Greek gods could interact with mortals, they were like mortals as society. The Greek gods could interact with mortals, they were like mortals as well and could have all human characteristics and emotions. The Gods could well and could have all human characteristics and emotions. The Gods could afflict happiness or joy or anger or sadness on mortals unbeknownst to them.afflict happiness or joy or anger or sadness on mortals unbeknownst to them.

Cultural InfluenceCultural InfluenceThe Olympics were conjured up to please the Gods especially to pay homage The Olympics were conjured up to please the Gods especially to pay homage to Zeus. It’s name derived from Mt. Olympus the mountain on which the Gods to Zeus. It’s name derived from Mt. Olympus the mountain on which the Gods lived.lived.

Religious InfluenceReligious InfluenceZeus was the embodiment of Greek religious beliefs, he was the main religious Zeus was the embodiment of Greek religious beliefs, he was the main religious figure to Ancient Greeks. His main temple , the Temple of Zeus, is one of the figure to Ancient Greeks. His main temple , the Temple of Zeus, is one of the Seventh Wonders of the Ancient WorldSeventh Wonders of the Ancient World

Short and Long Term EffectsShort and Long Term Effects

RomeRomeRomulus and Remus’ legend defined their city’s foundation Romulus and Remus’ legend defined their city’s foundation and geographically established the location of Rome. Like and geographically established the location of Rome. Like Egypt, the location of Rome influenced its culture and way of Egypt, the location of Rome influenced its culture and way of life, as well as the success of the civilization. The statue of life, as well as the success of the civilization. The statue of the she-wolf suckling the baby twins is well known around the she-wolf suckling the baby twins is well known around Italy and is displayed in a well recognized area in the city. Italy and is displayed in a well recognized area in the city.

GreeceGreeceZeus came to be known as the supreme god and was Zeus came to be known as the supreme god and was worshipped for many decades. Hercules’ labours were worshipped for many decades. Hercules’ labours were eventually interpreted as the clearing of monsters from earth eventually interpreted as the clearing of monsters from earth for the benefit of mankind. Because of this, he became a hero for the benefit of mankind. Because of this, he became a hero on Mount Olympus and was worshipped by Greek citizens. on Mount Olympus and was worshipped by Greek citizens. The Greek gods were the basis of religion in Greece during The Greek gods were the basis of religion in Greece during ancient times. ancient times.

Historical Importance: Historical Importance: GreeceGreece• These myths and legends give insight into ancient religious beliefsThese myths and legends give insight into ancient religious beliefs• Although these stories are probably not accurate, they are conceived Although these stories are probably not accurate, they are conceived

to provide hope and they give an explanation for how the civilization to provide hope and they give an explanation for how the civilization came to became to be

• Greek mythology became the forefather of latter cultures’ beliefs Greek mythology became the forefather of latter cultures’ beliefs and mysticismsand mysticisms

• Stories, movies, books have been written on these myths, ( e.g , Stories, movies, books have been written on these myths, ( e.g , Hercules, The Iliad, OdysseyHercules, The Iliad, Odyssey))

• There are everyday references and phrases that relate to Greek There are everyday references and phrases that relate to Greek mythological characters that appear in everyday speech, ( e.g, “ mythological characters that appear in everyday speech, ( e.g, “ Aphrodite’s Love Shop” or “ You’re as Strong As Hercules”)Aphrodite’s Love Shop” or “ You’re as Strong As Hercules”)

• Myths and legends gave people control and a sense of hope over Myths and legends gave people control and a sense of hope over certain situations that they knew they had no control over, ( e.g, certain situations that they knew they had no control over, ( e.g, before they go to war, they would pray to a god like Ares, the god of before they go to war, they would pray to a god like Ares, the god of war )war )

• People in many different religions still pray to different gods and People in many different religions still pray to different gods and patron saints in their religions to help and guide them during patron saints in their religions to help and guide them during dilemmasdilemmas

Historical Importance: RomeHistorical Importance: Rome

• The legend of Romulus and Remus was the origin of the The legend of Romulus and Remus was the origin of the great Roman empire, which was the foundation of many great Roman empire, which was the foundation of many other empires that came after its demise. other empires that came after its demise.

• It is important to learn about the religions of other It is important to learn about the religions of other countries because it provides people with insight and countries because it provides people with insight and helps them to understand other cultureshelps them to understand other cultures

• It is similar to today’s religions, in the fact that modern It is similar to today’s religions, in the fact that modern day religion gives us hope and solutions to problemsday religion gives us hope and solutions to problems

• Legends provide people with a way to explain history. It Legends provide people with a way to explain history. It lets them come up with stories that help others to lets them come up with stories that help others to understand the background and beginning of their understand the background and beginning of their civilization. By having stories, it gives people a certain civilization. By having stories, it gives people a certain type of security, in that it lets them have an explanation type of security, in that it lets them have an explanation for the unknown. for the unknown. Mount Olympus

the mountain on which the Gods lived

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

1.1. What were the names of the twins who founded What were the names of the twins who founded Rome? Who killed who?Rome? Who killed who?

2.2. How many labours did Hercules have to perform How many labours did Hercules have to perform for King Eurystheus?for King Eurystheus?

3.3. Why did Cronus ( Zeus’ father) swallow all of his Why did Cronus ( Zeus’ father) swallow all of his children? And where did Zeus go to be saved children? And where did Zeus go to be saved from the same fate?from the same fate?

4.4. Why do you think people of ancient times Why do you think people of ancient times created so elaborate and nonsensical myths?created so elaborate and nonsensical myths?

5.5. Do you think any of these myths could be based Do you think any of these myths could be based on factual events?on factual events?

Ancient GeographyAncient Geography

Map of ancient Greece

Map of Ancient Italy

A Look At The LegendsA Look At The Legends

Statue of Zeus at the Temple of Zeus

Sculpture of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus

Statue of Hercules