The ancient Romans used mythology as a combination of religion and stories and fables. For each significant event in their lives, a prayer or sacrifice was made to a specific god or goddess depending on the event. These events included birth, death, and the harvest, among others. There were religious rituals and festivals held throughout the year that often, but not always, had to do with the gods. For some people the festivals themselves were more important than the worshipping of the Olympian gods. Roman myths were not neccesarily regarded as fact, but more as stories with messages to live by.