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How did Greek mythology influence Roman religion?
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Roman religion
Roman temple, known as the Temple of Diana, in Évora, Portugal.
Greek mythology significantly influenced Roman religion, leading to a fusion of traditions. The Romans equated many of their deities with Greek gods, such as Zeus becoming Jupiter and Aphrodite becoming Venus. While early Roman religion focused on numina (spirits) and pietas (duty to gods), Greek influence introduced anthropomorphic deities and rich mythologies that were previously sparse in Roman culture. This adoption helped shape Roman cosmology and provided a more personalized relationship with the divine, moving beyond the strict adherence to ritual that characterized earlier Roman practices.123