Roman Mythology

The course opens with an exploration of the origin myth, private and public practices of ancient religious rituals, and the Etruscan and Greek influences on Rome.

We’ll look at the myth of Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome – from both mythological and archaeological viewpoints – and examine each of the seven kings who are said to have ruled. The course also examines another ‘founding myth’ of Rome through the city’s connection with Troy, where you’ll learn of Aeneas and his importance to Rome. You’ll also learn about the imperial cults that formed as Rome moved from republic to empire and what happened to push the Roman people into accepting their leaders as gods.

We’ll look at early Roman deities, the 12 principal deities, and take an in-depth exploration of Mars and Venus and the Roman god of gods, Jupiter.

The course concludes with an examination of important myths. We’ll look at the Abduction of the Sabine Women and the Rape of Lucretia, exploring how they relate to changes in Roman history. This is followed by a study of the legends Horatius at the Bridge, Coriolanus and Gaius Mucius, and how they relate to Rome’s history and focus on war and valour.

By studying this course, you will:

• Learn about the Etruscan and Greek influences on Rome
• Uncover myths about the founding of Rome and its seven kings
• Become familiar with the imperial cults that formed with the empire
• Learn about Roman deities, in particular Jupiter, Mars, and Venus
• Examine important myths

If you’re interested in history, culture, mythologies or religion, this course is the perfect combination of these four subjects. The mythology of a people is so entwined with their hopes and beliefs that myth and reality affect one another in incredibly powerful ways. The Roman Mythology Diploma Course doesn’t merely retell the myths but explains how Roman mythology developed, and its significance in Rome’s rise to power and cultural identity.