Here's why:
* Origin: The Greek gods were older, originating from the ancient Mycenaean civilization. The Roman pantheon was largely influenced by these Greek gods, but their stories and worship developed independently.
* Names: Many Roman gods have different names than their Greek counterparts, even though they represent the same functions and roles. Here are some examples:
* Zeus (Greek) = Jupiter (Roman)
* Hera (Greek) = Juno (Roman)
* Poseidon (Greek) = Neptune (Roman)
* Aphrodite (Greek) = Venus (Roman)
* Ares (Greek) = Mars (Roman)
* Roles: While some Roman gods took on slightly different roles or personalities, the core functions of the gods remained similar.
* Stories: Roman myths often adopted and adapted Greek stories, sometimes changing details or adding their own elements.
Essentially, the Roman gods can be seen as the Roman versions of the Greek gods. They were influenced by the Greeks, but they were distinct in their own right, with their own history, worship practices, and cultural significance.