Howstuffworks "Roman Deities"

Asclepius

Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. His Roman name was Aesculapius. He was the son of Apollo and Coronis, and the father of Hygeia.

Augur

Augur in ancient Rome, an official diviner who foretold events by omens. At first the college of augurs had three diviners but the number was eventually increased to 16.

Aurora in Roman mythology, the goddess of the dawn. Her Greek name was Eos. She was the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and sister of the sun god Sol (Helios) and the moon goddess Luna (Selene).

Bacchus

Bacchus, or Dionysus, the Greek and Roman god of wine. The Greeks referred to him by both names, but the Romans called him only Bacchus.

Cacus

Cacus, in Roman mythology, a three-headed, flame-spouting giant. He was the son of Vulcan and Medusa.

Cupid

Cupid, in Roman mythology, the god of love. He was the son of Venus. His father sometimes was named as Mars, at other times as Jupiter or Mercury.

Diana

Diana, in Roman mythology, the virgin goddess of hunting, of fields and forests, and of fertility and childbirth.

Hera

Hera, or Here, in Greek mythology, the goddess of marriage and childbirth. She was queen of heaven, though not of the gods.

Hermes

Hermes in Greek mythology, the herald, messenger, and ambassador of the gods. He was also the god of wealth and good fortune and the patron of travelers and thieves.

Janus

Janus, in Roman mythology, the god of doorways and beginnings. The month of January is named for him.

Jupiter

Jupiter, in Roman mythology, the supreme god. Though principally a sky god in charge of all atmospheric conditions, he had many special functions.

Lares and Penates

Lares and Penates household gods of the ancient Romans. The term has come to mean personal or household possessions.

Mars

Mars, in Roman mythology, the god of war. Usually he is pictured as a young, armed warrior.

Minerva

Minerva in Roman mythology, the goddess of wisdom. She was regarded as the personification of the faculty of thinking.

Pluto

Pluto, in Greek mythology, the ruler of the underworld. His earlier name, Hades, was later applied to his domain.

Saturn

Saturn, in Roman mythology, a god of agriculture. He was identified with the Greek Cronus, who ruled the universe before the Olympian gods became supreme.