The Romans worshiped countless gods and they also adopted gods from conquered peoples. Dozens of Germanic, Celtic, Persian and Egyptian gods were worshiped. This was seen as a kind of investment, also for life after death: if one god did not listen, the other god would. But above all were the twelve main gods that were directly adopted from Greek culture. These many gods and goddesses were related to all sorts of daily activities and professions. The twelve main gods were the gods most worshiped in the great Roman temples. Romans often worshiped the main gods in person, for example in the lararium, the home altar that most Roman households had. Unlike the Celtic and Germanic gods, Roman and Greek gods were depicted as if they were real human figures. Later, the Celts partly adopted this custom by also depicting their gods as humans.
Jupiter was the supreme god and ruler of the sky and thunder. He was often depicted with a thunderbolt in his hand and was a symbol of power and justice. As protector of the state and the laws, Jupiter played a central role in Roman religion. Another major difference between the Germanic, Celtic and Roman gods is that the Roman gods often represent practical matters of life and that the Celts and Germanic people were more focused on nature and the god’s role as part of nature.
Juno was the goddess of marriage and fertility. She was the wife of Jupiter and was revered as the protector of women and families. Juno was often depicted with a peacock, a symbol of pride and beauty.
Neptune was the god of the seas and earthquakes. As a brother to Jupiter, he had control over the waters and was often depicted with a trident. Neptune played an important role in shipping and was revered by sailors and fishermen.
Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, crafts and martial arts. She was a patron of artists, craftsmen and warriors. Minerva was often depicted with an owl, the symbol of wisdom, and was revered in schools and academic institutions.
Mars was the god of war and the personification of masculine strength and courage. He was worshiped by soldiers before they went into battle. Mars was depicted in military attire and with a weapon in his hand. Red was his color.
Venus was the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. She was associated with love affairs and the promotion of romantic relationships. Venus was worshiped as the protector of love and fertility.
Apollo was the god of music, art, medicine and prophecy. He was revered as an inspiration to musicians, poets and artists. Apollo was known for his archery skills and was seen as an oracle, able to predict the future.
Diana was the goddess of the hunt and the moon. She was revered as a protector of nature and the animal world. Diana was often depicted with a bow and arrows and was a symbol of wild beauty and freedom.
Vesta was the goddess of home life and the hearth fire. She was revered as the protector of the hearth and family. Vesta's sacred flame was always kept burning in the sanctuary of her temple, which served as the center of the Roman home.
Mercury was the god of commerce, travelers and messengers. He was revered as a patron of merchants, travelers and communications. Mercury was depicted with wings at his feet and a caduceus, a staff with coiled serpents.
Ceres was the goddess of agriculture and grain. She was revered as a protector of the crops and fertility of the land. Ceres had an important role in the agrarian society of ancient Rome and was associated with the celebration of the harvest.
Vulcan was the god of fire, blacksmithing and crafts. He was revered as a patron of blacksmiths, metalworkers and artisans. Vulcan was depicted as a bearded man with a blacksmith's hammer and was known for his skill in forging weapons and divine artifacts.
These twelve gods formed the core of the Roman pantheon and each had their own specific domain and influence on the life of the Romans. Their worship and rituals were deeply rooted in Roman society and played an important role in the daily life and cultural experience of ancient Rome.
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