Greek vs. Roman Gods - Complete List and Differences

Greek and Roman mythology are rich with a pantheon of gods and goddesses. While many of their stories and attributes are similar, their names are often different. This blog post will explore the Greek and Roman names of some of the most well-known gods and goddesses and the reasons behind these name variations.

Table of Contents

Main Differences of Roman and Greek Gods in a Nutshell:

Name: Greek gods have Greek names while Roman gods have Roman names.
Origin: Greek gods originated from Greek mythology while Roman gods originated from Roman mythology.
Personality: Greek gods were often portrayed with human flaws and emotions while Roman gods were depicted as more stoic and dignified.
Appearance: Some of the Greek gods had different physical appearances than their Roman counterparts.
Domain: While some Greek and Roman gods share the same domain, there are also differences in the specific domains assigned to each deity in the two mythologies.
Worship: The way Greek and Roman gods were worshipped and celebrated differed due to differences in culture and tradition.
Influence: Greek mythology had a significant influence on Roman mythology, resulting in some overlap between the two pantheons.

Greek vs. Roman God Names Overview Table

Greek Name	Roman Name	God/Goddess of	Symbols
Apollo	Apollo	Sun, Music, Prophecy	Lyre, Bow and Arrow, Laurel Wreath
Ares	Mars	War and Violence	Spear, Helmet, Shield
Aphrodite	Venus	Love and Beauty	Doves, Roses, Seashells
Artemis	Diana	Hunting and Wild Animals	Bow and Arrow, Crescent Moon, Deer
Cronus	Saturn	Harvest and Time	Scythe, Hourglass, Serpent
Demeter	Ceres	Agriculture and Fertility	Cornucopia, Wheat, Poppy
Dionysus	Bacchus	Wine and Theater	Grapes, Wine Cup, Ivy
Eros	Cupid	Love and Desire	Bow and Arrow, Wings, Heart
Gaia	Terra	Earth and Nature	Fruits, Animals, Trees
Hades	Pluto	Underworld and Wealth	Helm of Darkness, Cerberus, Cypress
Hephaestus	Vulcan	Fire and Forge	Hammer, Anvil, Tongs
Hera	Juno	Marriage and Childbirth	Peacock, Cow, Pomegranate
Heracles	Hercules	Strength and Heroism	Club, Lion Skin, Bow and Arrows
Hermes	Mercury	Travelers, Thieves, and Commerce	Caduceus, Winged Sandals, Winged Hat
Helios	Sol	Sun and Light	Chariot, Sun Disk, Rays
Hypnos	Somnus	Sleep and Dreams	Poppy, Horn, Butterfly Wings
Odysseus	Ulysses	Intelligence and Cunning	Bow and Arrows, Trojan Horse, Sirens
Pan	Pan	Nature and Shepherds	Goat, Pan Flute, Nymphs
Persephone	Proserpina	Spring and Queen of the Underworld	Pomegranate, Torch, Spring Flowers
Poseidon	Neptune	Sea and Earthquakes	Trident, Dolphin, Horse
Rhea	Ops	Fertility and Motherhood	Cornucopia, Fruits, Flowers
Selene	Luna	Moon and Night	Moon, Crescent, Stars
Zeus	Jupiter	Sky and Thunder	Thunderbolt, Eagle, Oak Tree
Uranus	Uranus	Sky and the Heavens	Starry Sky, Universe, Celestial Bodies
Athena	Minerva	Wisdom, Crafts, and Warfare	Owl, Shield, Spear
Eos	Aurora	Dawn and the Morning	Rose Fingers, Saffron Robes, Wings
Nike	Victoria	Victory and Triumph	Palm Branch, Wreath, Trophy

Why do Have Greek Gods and Roman Gods Different Names?

The differences in names between the Greek and Roman gods can be traced back to the fact that the Romans were heavily influenced by Greek culture and mythology. When the Romans conquered Greece, they adopted many aspects of Greek society, including their gods and goddesses. However, they also believed in their own gods and had their own religious beliefs, so they gave the Greek gods Latin names that reflected their own culture and beliefs. For example, the Greek god Zeus became known as Jupiter in Roman mythology.

Over time, as the characteristics and stories of the gods evolved, the names of the gods also evolved, leading to further variations between the Greek and Roman versions. In some cases, the differences in names reflected differences in the stories and attributes of the gods. For example, the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, was known as Venus in Roman mythology. While both goddesses were associated with love and beauty, Aphrodite was known for her seductive powers, while Venus was seen as a more motherly figure.

The different names of the Greek and Roman gods reflect the rich and complex histories of these two civilizations and the ways in which they both influenced and diverged from each other over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Romans Believe in the Same Gods as the Greeks?

The Romans believed in many of the same gods and goddesses as the Greeks, but they gave them different names and often had slightly different myths and rituals associated with them. This was due to the fact that the Romans borrowed heavily from Greek mythology and religion, but adapted it to their own cultural and religious practices. For example, the Roman god Jupiter was equivalent to the Greek god Zeus, and the Roman goddess Venus was equivalent to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. However, while the Greek gods were often depicted as idealized humans, the Roman gods were more often depicted as having human-like qualities but also animalistic features.

How did the Romans adopt Greek mythology?

The Romans adopted Greek mythology through a process known as syncretism, which involved merging the beliefs and practices of different cultures. The Romans were heavily influenced by Greek culture and religion, so many of their gods and goddesses were based on Greek deities.

Did the Romans worship their own gods or the Greek gods?

The Romans worshiped both their own gods and the Greek gods, but they often adapted the Greek gods to fit their own cultural and religious practices. The Romans believed that their gods and goddesses had specific responsibilities and powers, and they would often make offerings and sacrifices to them in order to gain their favor.

What is the difference between Greek and Roman gods?

The difference between Greek and Roman gods lies in their names, myths, and sometimes their physical appearance. The Romans adopted many of the Greek gods and goddesses but gave them different names and adapted their myths to their own culture.