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Roman Religion & Mythology

Roman Religion & Mythology. Western Civilization University High School 2011-12. Early Roman Religion. early Roman gods: few stories, little individuality, didn’t function like humans (VERY unlike Greek gods!) 2 most important early Roman gods:

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Roman Religion & Mythology

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  1. Roman Religion & Mythology Western Civilization University High School 2011-12

  2. Early Roman Religion • early Roman gods: few stories, little individuality, didn’t function like humans (VERY unlike Greek gods!) • 2 most important early Roman gods: • Jupiter: chief god, god of rain & lightning, ruled over laws & social order • Mars: god of vegetation & war • What does this tell you about early Romans??

  3. Early Roman Religion • early Romans = agrarian and militaristic • gods fit the needs of everyday life • early Roman gods survived, stories evolved, got tied in to Greek gods when appropriate

  4. Why Did the Greek Influence Happen? • more established, richer legacy of gods’ stories • gods personified, organized in genealogy • more advanced architecture (temples, shrines)

  5. Everyday Religion in Ancient Rome • combination of mythology, cults, and personal belief • permeated all aspects of Roman life, public & private • participation was expected, widespread

  6. Roman Cults • mystery cults offered followers a very specific vision of the nature of the world • cults became incorporated into Roman culture… • acknowledge Roman rule and you can worship whomever you want… (inclusionist!) • Cult of the Emperor • Cult of Isis • Cult of Christianity

  7. Vestal Virgins • virgin holy priestesses of Vesta (goddess of the hearth) • chosen between ages 6-10 for 30 year service by pontifexmaximus • 10 as students, 10 to serve, 10 as teachers • needed to be born to two free, living parents; free of physical & mental defects

  8. Vestal Virgins • take vow of chastity • some married after 30 years, most kept position • free to have property, vote, make a will • honored position  considered to be central to security of Rome • job: run temple, maintain eternal flame • paid for by public treasury • incorporated into many public events • could give pardons, sentence to death, their word accepted unquestioningly

  9. The Lararium • sacred place in the home where prayers/offerings were made to the gods • Lar: Roman household deity who protected the family’s land • "Salve lar familiaris (adoratio). Salvete Di Penates (adoratio). Salve Gen Patris Familias. Salve Vesta Mater.”

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