THEME: Looking into the future BIRDS AND LIGHTNING IN ANCIENT ROME
Rome was not always the empire we know it as; it started out as a humble agricultural society. The Roman religion was one of farmers, closely associated with everyday life in the country-side. The altars were sods stacked on top of each other where-upon the produce of the land was shared with the gods. Mars, who guarded the boundaries of the land that fed you. Vesta, who took care of the warmth in your house, your warm food, and the warmth of your family. The lares, the guardian spirits of fields and vineyards and the Lar Familiaris, the guardian spirit of the . Jupiter, for sun and rain, the who guarded the storehouse, and many others so important to everyday life, family well-being, and availability of food. These Roman gods already gave obvious signs that, if looked for, indicated what was about to happen. Any shepherd knew that when the animals looked for shelter, he should do the same.
