What is the Difference between Greek and Roman Gods and Goddess

Which Gods Came First?

Greek and Roman mythology share many similarities. The Romans adopted and adapted many of the myths and stories of the ancient Greeks after they conquered them in 146 B.C. As a result, many of the gods and goddesses in Roman mythology are the counterparts in Greek mythology. Their stories and attributes are very similar as well.

the Difference between Greek and Roman gods

One main difference between the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses is their names. The Romans often used different names for the same gods and goddesses as the Greeks. The Romans also had an affinity toward naming their deities after stars and planets. For example, the Greek god Zeus is known as Jupiter in Roman mythology. The Greek god Poseidon is known as Neptune in Roman mythology. 

Another difference is that the Roman gods and goddesses were often more closely connected to the daily lives of the Romans. While the Greek gods and goddesses were primarily worshipped in temples, the Roman gods and goddesses were also worshipped in private homes and were seen as more closely tied to the practical aspects of everyday life. 

For example, in Acts 19, a silversmith named, Demetrius was in the business of selling Artemis shrines. When Paul came through Ephesus preaching the Gospel, the message had such an effect on the city that it changed the daily activity there. Demetrius called a meeting with his guild because they noticed a decrease in their sells to the people. They, then, tried to start an uprising to get rid of Paul and “the Way.”

Variants between the Greek and Roman Gods

Many of the Roman gods and goddesses took on additional roles as well. For example, the god of war to the Greeks was Ares and was dubbed purely as a god of war. Whereas, the counterpart in Roman myth, Mars, is also seen as a god of fertility and agriculture. Mars is seen as a god most respected by the people; but the Greeks feared Ares and considered him as a strong and fearsome god, purely inclining toward war.

The only god who does not have a variant is, Apollo, the god of music and poetry. His name and character is practically the same in both cultures.

Despite these differences, the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses share many common characteristics and stories. Both pantheons include gods and goddesses associated with various aspects of life. These aspects are things such as love, war, agriculture, and the natural world. Both pantheons also include heroes and mythical creatures. The result of their rich tradition of mythology and storytelling has influenced culture and literature for centuries.

For Further Study

“Classical Mythology from A to Z: An Encyclopedia of Gods & Goddesses, Heroes & Heroines, Nymphs, Spirits, Monsters, and Places” (Check it out on Amazon)

“Who is Zeus” (Article)