Roman Religion & Mythology

Western CivilizationUniversity High School

2011-12

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??

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

Early Roman Religion

more established, richer legacy of gods’ stories◦ gods personified, organized in genealogy

more advanced architecture (temples, shrines)

Why Did the Greek Influence Happen?

combination of mythology, cults, and personal belief

permeated all aspects of Roman life, public & private◦ participation was expected,

widespread

Everyday Religion in Ancient Rome

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

Roman Cults

virgin holy priestesses of Vesta (goddess of the hearth)

chosen between ages 6-10 for 30 year service by pontifex maximus◦ 10 as students, 10 to serve, 10 as

teachers◦ needed to be born to two free,

living parents; free of physical & mental defects

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

Vestal Virgins

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.”

The Lararium