Classics \ Roman Mythology \ Sources and Texts

Roman mythology, an essential facet of classical studies, comprises the myths and legendary narratives developed or adopted by ancient Roman civilization. This rich tapestry of stories provides insights into Roman religious beliefs, social values, and cultural identity. “Sources and Texts” specifically focuses on the primary materials through which these myths have been transmitted to modern times.

Primary Sources

The foundational sources of Roman mythology are primarily texts from ancient Roman authors, who either recorded traditional tales or created new works based on existing mythological material. These sources can be broadly divided into three categories: literary works, historical records, and religious texts.

1. Literary Works:
   • Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”: A seminal anthology of mythological transformations, Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” is arguably the most comprehensive source of Roman myth. In poetic form, it spans the history of creation up to the deification of Julius Caesar, weaving together various myths.
   • Virgil’s “Aeneid”: As Rome’s national epic, Virgil’s “Aeneid” recounts the legendary journey of Aeneas from Troy to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Romans. This work integrates numerous mythological themes and characters.
   • Livy’s “Ab Urbe Condita”: Livy’s monumental history of Rome provides accounts of early Roman legends, including the tales of Romulus and Remus, as well as the founding of Rome.
2. Historical Records:
   • Plutarch’s “Lives”: Although Plutarch was a Greek historian, his biographies of Roman leaders (such as Romulus and Numa Pompilius) are invaluable for understanding Roman legend and the ways in which mythology was intertwined with historical identity.
3. Religious Texts:
   • Fasti: Written by Ovid, the “Fasti” is a poetic calendar that details Roman festivals and their associated myths, offering critical insights into how mythology was embedded in religious practices.
   • Sibylline Books: Although the original texts do not survive, references to the prophecies within the “Sibylline Books” in various historical records reveal their importance in guiding Rome’s religious and political decisions.

Secondary Text Sources

In addition to the primary texts, various secondary sources—commentaries, scholia, and later historiographies—contribute to our understanding of Roman myths.

• Macrobius’ “Saturnalia”: This late-antique collection of dialogues includes valuable discussions on Roman religion and mythology, providing context and interpretation of earlier myths.
• Servius’ Commentary on Virgil’s “Aeneid”: As a post-classical commentator, Servius offers explanations and interpretations that enrich the original text, shedding light on various mythological references.

Epigraphic and Artistic Evidence

Apart from written texts, inscriptions, and artistic representations (such as frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures) are critical ancillary sources that inform us about mythological narratives and their roles in Roman society.

• The Ara Pacis: This altar in Rome is rich with mythological imagery, reflecting the Augustan era’s use of myth to endorse political ideology.
• Pompeian Wall Paintings: The frescoes in Pompeii vividly depict mythological scenes, providing visual evidence of myths’ popularity and their interpretations in domestic contexts.

Conclusion

The study of Roman Mythology through its sources and texts involves a multifaceted approach that includes literary analysis, historical context, and examination of visual and material culture. These texts and artifacts, collectively, allow scholars to reconstruct the mythological landscape of ancient Rome, uncovering the narratives that shaped Roman worldviews and cultural identity. The interplay between myth-making and historical development is also a crucial aspect, revealing how Romans used myth to understand their past, present, and future.