Roman deities: the God of Music & Science

Last Updated on 2023/01/04

Apollo is, in Greek and Roman religion, the god of music, medical arts, science, intellect, the sun a,nd prophecy.

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1 Apollo is, in Greek and Roman religion, the god of music, medical arts, science, intellect, the sun a,nd prophecy.
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His main symbol is the lyre. His son Asclepius is the god of medicine. As the god of the arts, Apollo is the leader of the Muses. He is also described as a skilled archer capable of inflicting, with his weapon, terrible plagues on the people who opposed him. As protector of the city and temple of Delphi, Apollo is also worshipped as an oracular god capable of revealing, through the priestess, known as Pythia, the future to human beings; this is also why he was worshipped in antiquity as one of the most important Olympians. The most Greek of all the gods, Apollo is regarded as the most attractive and the epitome of the kouros (ephebe, or a beardless, athletic youth). The Greek-influenced Etruscan legend refers to Apollo as Apulu.

Related article: Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Rome

Apollo is a significant pastoral deity who served as the protector of shepherds and herders. His main responsibilities were guarding the herds, flocks, and harvests against pests, illnesses, and predators. Apollo, on the other hand, likewise supported the formation of new towns and a civil government. He is linked to controlling of colonists. He was the source of laws, and cities would consult his oracles before passing legislation.

Apollo, the god of music, is in charge of all forms of song, dance, and poetry. He created string music and frequently accompanied the Muses, leading their chorus at festivities.

Apollo and the Muses on Parnassus, by Andrea Appiani

The 8th century BCE marks the beginning of the religion of Apollo in Greece at Delphi and Delos. The twin sister of Apollo, Artemis, was the main focus of the sanctuary on the island of Delos. Apollo was honored in Delphi for killing the terrifying snake Python. Apollo was the most Greek deity in the eyes of the Greeks, and over time, he took on several roles. He was the prophet in Archaic Greece, the oracular deity who was once associated with “healing.” He was the god of light and song in Classical Greece, but in popular religion, he had a significant role in warding off evil.

Apollo had noteworthy oracles in Claros, Didyma, and Delphi, among other places.

*Niobe’s children are killed by Apollo and Diana* by Pierre-Charles Jombert

Featured image: Famous ancient marble sculpture known as Apollo of the Belvedere dates back to the Classical Period. In the late 15th century (1489), during the Renaissance, it was rediscovered in Anzio. It was regarded as the best antique sculpture starting in the middle of the 18th century and represented the pinnacle of artistic perfection for many years. The Greek deity Apollo is shown in the 2.24 m (7.3 foot) high sculpture made of white marble.