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Roman Religion. Basic Beliefs. Polytheistic. Rituals done to gain favor of the gods. Private rituals at shrines ( lararium ) in their own homes. Roman And Greek Religion. Similarities Same gods Sacrifices and offerings Temples Belief in life after death Gods had human personalities.
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Basic Beliefs • Polytheistic. • Rituals done to gain favor of the gods. • Private rituals at shrines (lararium) in their own homes.
Roman And Greek Religion Similarities • Same gods • Sacrifices and offerings • Temples • Belief in life after death • Gods had human personalities Differences • Latin names rather than Greek names • Who performed the rituals • Roman gods were more cold and formal
To be a citizen of the Roman Empire was seen as a great honor... The idea of Rome: • libertas(freedom, liberty, independence ) • Romans believed their prosperity was due to: • their legal system • the emperor’s genius • the gods’ happiness • Roman duty to honor Gods “Rome is the light.”
“I’ll sacrifice 100 bulls in your honor, Father” • Religious ceremonies were performed by the wealthy – everyone else watched
Other religions... • Rome conquered Judea • Romans left them alone • Not forced to worship Roman gods • Given Roman citizenship • Key: as long as they paid taxes
When Rome Needed Money • 70 CE -- The Great Revolt • Over 1 million Jews killed when they protested • The Diaspora in 135 CE
The “cult” of Christianity • Christians were ignored at first • As their numbers grew the Romans were angered: • Christians wouldn’t worship with the Jews or the Romans • Christians wouldn’t worship the Emperor as a god • Christians were often treated as criminals
The End of the Roman Republic • Enlarged territory brought economic turmoil • Rich landowners vs. thousands of slaves • Uncontrollable/powerful military • Civil War between Consuls Pompey and Caesar
Julius Caesar • Consul at 31. • Brilliant tactician. • Seized control of Rome. • Assassinated by Senators.
Augustus Caesar (Octavian) • Adopted nephew of Julius Caesar. • Caesar’s death lead to civil war. • Augustus was the winner. • First ruler of the empire.
Pax Romana • “Roman Peace” • Lasted for 200 years and 5 emperors • Roman Empire included all lands around the Mediterranean Sea and most of Northwest Europe. • 3 million square miles • 60-80 million population
How did the Romans manage the empire? • Code of Law • Basis of modern law • Lawyers • Bureaucracy • Emperor • Government Officials • Provincial Governments
Rebellions? • Spartacus • Gladiator • Lead a slave revolt • Gathered 70,000 slaves to his “army” • Held out on Mt. Vesuvius for 3 years • As punishment Rome crucified the rebels along Appian Way • The crosses ran for 120 miles