roman religion & mythology
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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: - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Roman Religion & Mythology
Western CivilizationUniversity High School
2011-12
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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
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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
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more established, richer legacy of gods’ stories◦ gods personified, organized in genealogy
more advanced architecture (temples, shrines)
Why Did the Greek Influence Happen?
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combination of mythology, cults, and personal belief
permeated all aspects of Roman life, public & private◦ participation was expected,
widespread
Everyday Religion in Ancient Rome
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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
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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
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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
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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