Each artist left behind their own distinctive mark on the painting, now housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington. Giovanni Bellini, Feast of the Gods (1514/1529). Courtesy of National ...

Aside from the spirits, worshipped privately at home, the Romans had a large number of public gods. Many gods were believed to have taken part in the founding of Rome. All were consulted and honored ...

Their questionable reputations and turbulent leadership brought about the downfall of Rome’s monarchy—and the rise of the Republic. Violence played a part in the reigns of Rome's last last three kings ...