Roman gods were ingrained into the common belief system of Romans and for virtually every aspect of life there was a dedicated god or goddess. The gods and goddesses of the Roman Empire stem from a combination of influences. Before Rome’s rise to power, the vast area surrounding it was inhabited by the Latins who believed in the supernatural and prayed to an abundance of spirits, gods, and goddesses. The Greeks and the Romans met headlong as Rome rose to power, and the Greeks revealed their own belief in the gods, which gradually spilled over to the Romans.

Inside the Roman Empire, it became evident that both the Greeks and the Latins shared many of the same gods for the same aspects of life and nature. The Romans slowly began mixing parallel Latin and Greek gods, creating a metamorphosis that eventually became the large group of Roman gods known to us today. There is an endless list of Roman gods and goddesses, many of which are now common names known worldwide—Venus the Goddess of Love and Beauty, Mars the God of War, Neptune the God of the Sea, and Juno the Goddess of Fertility. Statues of the main Gods of Rome can be seen in many places around Rome, including on such landmarks as the Trevi Fountain.

The implementation of gladiators in ancient Rome was initially for the gods and goddesses, whom the Romans believed were pleased by the barbarous fights taking place in such grand places as the Colosseum and the Forum. Today, the Colosseum is a fraction of the impressive building it once was, debilitated by the theft of its foundations to build such grand palaces and sites as St Peter’s Basilica, the passage of time, and natural disasters such as earthquakes. These buildings were, in essence, dedications to the gods and revealed stunning ancient Rome architecture throughout their designs. It is possible gladiators in ancient Rome were first utilized during funerals for prominent community members. As history launched forward, the use of gladiators revolved around entertainment, and fights were staged by emperors and politicians alike strictly for amusement.

Rome Map

There are innumerable, fascinating angles surrounding the Roman Empire. From meager beginnings as a small, hilly settlement along the Tiber River, to a world power reigning over many territories and regions, Roman history is vast. From ancient Rome food, which centered around basics like oil and bread, to exotic dishes devoured by aristocratic Romans, layers upon layers of intricate details describe the patchwork of people living in ancient Rome. Even democracy in Rome is ambiguous and didn’t encapsulate the true modern meaning since Romans were known as strict imperialists. Some claim there was elemental evidence of democracy in Rome that lasted up until the first century ceased and the monarchy reign, governed by an emperor.

Roman ways and history today capture the imaginations of people world wide. Roman gods are still looked upon as a fascinating aspect of the foundation of Rome’s inherent belief system. Gladiators in ancient Rome are depicted in many films and books, illustrating the world’s attraction to these pieces of Rome’s history. Today, thousands of tourists explore the Roman ruins, the Vatican Museum, and countless other historic monuments depicting what life was like in ancient Rome.