Significance of Venus to Roman Poetry and Politics

<University> Roman History through Mythology: The Significance of Goddess Venus to Roman Poetry and Politics <Name> History Prof. Čulík-Baird 23 April 2018 Religion has been part of the major development and historical origin of several civilizations and society whether it was ancient or modern. Mythology greatly influences every aspect of Roman's life and imparted a grasp of the Roman heritage. Although the ancient Romans rich mythology was derived from their predecessors, which are the Greeks, Roman mythology encompasses another perspective of power, values, and ancient views of the world that reflects their own identity as a different race. One of the powerful goddesses that were familiar and immensely significant for the Romans was the goddess, Venus. Venus is an Italian goddess of love, sex, beauty and fertility which was believed to be the counterpart of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Despite her identification with Aphrodite, Venus was pronounced as a native Roman goddess who was not espoused from anywhere. In fact, the goddess name was derived from a Latin name, Venus which literally means “sexual love” and “sexual desire”. She was very important to the Romans as they claimed her as their ancestress. Because of Venus wide influence among Romans, it was not a surprise how she was inevitably significant to various aspects of the Roman culture, particularly, in poetic arts and politics. In this article, the political and poetical significance of Venus will be identified. It will also be accentuated how her role within the Roman religious system was far more complex and multi-faceted making her a goddess of influence in warfare and military success, as well as, a goddess of human's artistic expression of love, strength, and nobility. Gods and goddesses ability to win over giants and extraordinary creatures made the Olympians be militaristic in a sense, together with their personal areas of power and influence. Aside from being the goddess of love, sex, and beauty, Venus' recognition as a martial deity took an essential role in the political events of the Late Republic and Augustan period in Rome. The goddess ability to confer military favor and success in conflicts increased her influence and appeal of patronage among Romans and several powerful members of the society. Romans believed that a worthy political leader should be able to ensure the safety of the state through the success in battles, which consequently, determined by maintaining the favor of the goddess on the leader's position. In fact, Late Republicans emphasized how prominent men used to assert their power in the state due to their declaration of close connection with the goddess Venus. Since the Roman society was deeply affected by the fate, justices and judgment given by the gods, particularly, Venus who was very significant to Romans as they claimed her as their ancestress, exploitation of power has been easier manipulated by the great men of the Republic. Thus, allowing for an intense political competition to arise in regards to Venus favor (Smallcombe, 2017). One of these great men identified was Sulla who was a Roman general and statesman who had an honorable distinction in holding the consul twice. Sulla showed how he struck authority,...