Werewolves of the Ancient World

The werewolf has captured human imagination for centuries. "Werewolf" literally means "man wolf". Werewolves practice lycanthropy. Lycanthropy is the magical ability to assume the form and characteristics of a wolf.

The story began that a Greek king (King Lycaeon) decided to sacrifice his son to Zeus. The gods were angered as it was the last straw and Zeus turned Lycaeon into a wolf. Afterwards a cult formed about this event. It was called the Zeus Lycaeus cult.

Werewolves were highly believed in in Europe during the Middle Ages. They were taken so seriously that they were burned alive with supposed witches. They were thought to be servants of the devil, like witches. Werewolves were thought to have made pacts with the devil and sold their souls.

Ghosts in the Ancient World

The ghosts of the ancient Romans are referred to as shades of the dead, who were honored or propitiated by means of festivals throughout the year. There were several types of Roman ghosts, particularly Manes (Di manes), Lares, and Lemures. The ghosts were also known as umbrae (which translates as 'shades', as in "umbrella"), imagines, and species. There were two main festivals to celebrate the ghosts of the dead, which were the Parentalia and the Lemuria. During the 10 day Parentlia most business, etc. was shut down. This took place in cemeteries. The Lemuria was 3 days long and took place in the home. Romans often performed rituals for the dead, which sometimes included offerings. There is no definite fact that says that Romans belived in ghosts, but they definitely celebrated them.

Chapter 8 Test (Part II-S.A. Odd)

1. My brother always leads his life in peace.
3. Oh friend, we destroy liberty.
5. We never conquer danger without danger.
7. Catullus thanks the great Marco Tullio Ciceroni.
9. Agamemnon will lead the great abundance from the land Graeca up to Troiam, where many will kill men.

Chapter 8 Test (Part I-paradigms)

agere-to lead
Present, Future, Imperfect

Present Indicative Active
ago
agis
agit
agimus
agitis
agunt

Future Indicative Active
agam
ages
aget
agemus
agetis
agent

Imperfect Indicative Active
agebam
agebas
agebat
agebamus
agebatis
agebant