ROMAN HEROESCHARACTERISTICS OF A ROMAN HERO

• Today you will be learning about the famous heroes of Rome and the characteristics which make them heroes. One of the major characteristics on which you will be focusing is “pietas”-one’s duty and need to do what is right. However, for a Roman to be a true hero, he had to display other qualities. The following slides are a list of other virtues to which Romans tried to aspire.

AUCTORITAS

• Spiritual Authority- The sense of one’s social standing, built up through experience, pietas, and industria.

COMITAS

• Humour- Ease of manner, courtesy, openness, and friendliness

CLEMENTIA

• Mercy- mildness and gentleness toward others

DIGNITAS

• Dignity- A sense of self worth and personal pride

FIRMITAS

• Tenacity- Strength of mind and the ability to stick to ones purpose

FRUGALITAS

• Frugalness- The economy and simplicity of style, without being miserly

GRAVITAS

• Gravity- A sense of importance of the matter at hand; responsibility and earnestness

HONESTAS

• Respectability- The image that one presents as a respectable member of society

HUMANITAS

• Humanity- Refinement, civilization, learning, and being cultured

INDUSTRIA

• Industriousness- Hard working

PIETAS

• Dutifulness- More than religious piety; a respect for the natural order- socially, politically, and religiously. Includes the ideas of patriotism and devotion to others.

PRUDENTIA

• Prudence- Foresight, wisdom, and personal discretion

SALUBRITAS

• Wholesomeness- Health and cleanliness

SEVERITAS

• Sternness- Gravity with self control

VERITAS

• Truthfulness- Honesty in dealing with others

WOULD YOU BE A HERO IN THE ROMAN WORLD?

• Go back over the slides one more time. How many of these characteristics do you think you show? Are you a hero or not? Reply below, listing all the traits which you possess.