Ancient Religion from Greece and Rome Quiz

Answer: Io

The myth is that Zeus fell in love with a pretty girl named Io, who was actually a priestess of Hera. After she caught Io and Zeus together in bed, Hera was outraged, for her priestesses were to be virginal, and also because the father was Zeus (her husband). So, she turned Io into a cow. But, Zeus, who was intelligent and cunning, came to Io in the form of a bull. But, Hera, out of pity to the unborn child, turned Io back.

Answer: vestal virgins

The myth says that due to Rhea Silvia's beauty, the god Mars visited her when she was in his temple. After Rhea Silvia got pregnant and gave birth, her twins were sent to die. But, they were found by a shepherd.

Answer: Apollo

The Romans and Greeks had the same pantheon. But, the Romans kept the name Apollo for the archer god of the sun. The logic behind this is unknown to historians.

Answer: 14-16

In the ancient days, girls were married early to ensure that they would bear at least one son. Girls were married as early as 10, even, sometimes to men in their fifties! Young bride, old groom was a popular combination, especially among royals and nobles.

Answer: A flame

This is because Romans believed that in the underworld, you entered by crossing a bridge of flames. So, if the flames were above the ground, it means that you were close to death at that moment!

Answer: Zeus and Hera

Whenever the first gods (Zeus and his siblings) were young, there was no concept of marriage, only mating. But, Zeus fell so madly in love with his elder sister Hera (Juno) that he courted her for several years, until she finally gave in. Theirs was the first marriage, and Hera became the goddess of marriage.

Answer: Epirote

Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias, was an Epirote princess. The cult was rather queer and vulgar. Practices included worshiping and loving snakes. The customs were considered barbaric to the Greeks.

Answer: They were left to die.

Although it is still debated among historians, the long-standing tradition is that Spartan babies would be closely examined after birth by the Council of Elders to see if they were strong enough to be able to live up to the expectations of Spartan citizenship. Those who were not were abandoned on a hillside.

This practice was part of the laws and practices attributed to the legendary King Lycurgus.

Answer: Gray

Pallas Athena (Minerva) was famous for her gray eyes and red hair. Her eyes have been compared to silver, and thunderclouds. It is believed that the Greeks gave her this characteristic to make her different from the other goddesses.

Answer: No longer there as a majority.

People have come over the gods, but they are still popular book topics! Several authors, such as Adele Geras and Brendan Evslin, have written most wonderful texts about Greece and Rome.