Greco-Roman mythology served its ancient believers by explaining natural phenomena such as a great flood or creation; life, death, and the afterlife; human virtues, successes and failures. These profound stories survived and today make their appearances, sometimes greatly transformed, in our modern life.

     Once you have studied the myths of the Romans and Greeks, you will be alert to how many allusions and fragments of the ancient myths are contained in our popular culture. Keep your eyes open to find examples in advertising, cartoons (including editorial cartoons in the newspaper), food brands, business names, car models, tv shows. To "warm up" for your search, try the ungraded activity below for fun.

     When you are ready to share some of your discoveries, post them in the Latin I forum How does Latin live today? and read what your fellow students have posted there. You may also post other Latin references you come across: the name of a product, a Latin saying, an architectural reference, and so on.