The cursus honorum was the Roman term used to describe the correct sequence of political office sought by would-be politicians. It begins with the office of quaestor, followed by aedile, praetor, and finally, consul. So, an individual politician who wanted to one day be consul would first seek to serve as a quaestor, aedile, and praetor — effectively moving up the ladder of power with each title.

The Temple of Portunus was built in the late second century BCE in the city of Rome. It is one of the best-surviving temples left behind by the Roman Republic. The Temple of Portunus was constructed in the style of the Ionic order. The Ionic order is one of the three main architectural styles of the classical period of European history. It is characterized by the use of volutes (which are essentially ornamental bases for columns).

Much of the primary history of the Gallic Wars was written by Julius Caesar (the Roman general who led the Roman army during the Gallic Wars). For this reason, the history of the Gallic Wars cannot really be trusted — after all, how can one expect Julius Caesar to provide an unbiased account of his own actions?

The latin phrase cursus honorum translates to “sequence of offices.” It was a term used during the history of the Roman Republic to describe the correct traditional order of political offices sought by aristocratic politicians (similar to the United States; if an inspiring president first serves as a representative, then a senator, then secretary of state). The highest position was that of the consul.

Minerva was the Roman Goddess of wisdom and learning, as well as poetry, medicine, and trading. After the Roman conquest of Greece, the Romans associated Minerva with the Greek Goddess Athena.

Neptune was the Roman God of the sea, as well as the God of ships and sailors. Neptune was the Roman equivalent of the Greek God Poseidon.

Bacchus was the Roman God of wine, festivals, partying, and debauchery. Bacchus is equated to the Greek God Dionysus. Bacchus was introduced to Roman society by Greek settlers in southern Italy. During the latter years of the Roman Republic, a cult emerged in Rome around the depraved celebration of Bacchus, and many festivals were carried out in his name.

Vesta was the Roman Goddess of hearth and home. The Romans, particularly during the era of the Roman Republic, placed a great emphasis on family and home life, and so Vesta was naturally one of the most commonly worshipped Gods in day-to-day Roman life.

Mercury is based on the Greek God Hermes and was known as “the messenger of the Gods.” Mercury was also the Roman God of luck, wealth, thieves, and travelers.

Many of the deities in the Roman pantheon were either directly inspired by Gods in the Greek pantheon, or else were equated to Greek Gods following the Roman conquest of Greece in the second century BCE. Of these Gods, only Venus and Athena are incorrectly paired. Venus, the Roman Goddess of love and beauty, should be paired with Aphrodite. Whereas, Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom, should be paired with Minerva.