"The Romans thought of themselves as highly religious, and attributed their success as a world power to their collective piety (pietas) in maintaining good relations with the gods."
An exploration of Roman religious beliefs and practices, as reflected in literature and mythology.
Roman Religion and Mythology: It is the study of the belief system and mythological stories that underpinned Roman culture.
Polytheism and Pantheism: The polytheistic nature of the Roman religion and its belief in divine entities governing different aspects of nature, from sky and thunder to love and fertility per se.
Deities and Lesser Gods: The study of the principal deities: Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Apollo, and Mercury, along with lesser gods and their respective symbols and myths.
Roman Rituals and Traditions: The study of Roman religious practices and beliefs, including purification, prayer, sacrifice, and festivals, providing insight into the religious life of the ancient Romans.
Roman Religious Structures and Temples: The study of the physical structures, temples, and other places of worship, which illustrate how religion impacted Roman life and how its architectural works reflected its nature.
Philosophy and Religion: Roman philosophy was intrinsically connected to religion—learning about Stoicism, Epicureanism, and their views on the gods, afterlife, karma and ethics can add some value.
Iconography and Art: Roman religious art and iconography offered a way of deciphering the beliefs and practices of the Roman religion through studying the visual iconography surrounding Roman mythological tales and religious practices.
Mysteries and Cults: A study of the secret and cultish religious practices additional to the State-recognised ceremonies and rituals.
Influence on Modern Religion: The study of how Religion played a part in the rise and fall of the Roman empire, and how its traditions shaped and influenced many modern religions.
Christianity: A monotheistic religion founded on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the son of God, and the savior of humanity.
Judaism: A monotheistic religion that originated in the Middle East over 3,000 years ago and is based on the belief in one God who made a covenant with the Jewish people.
Islam: A monotheistic religion that believes in one God, Allah, and that the prophet Muhammad is his final messenger. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, charity, pilgrimage, and fasting.
Hinduism: A pantheistic religion that originated in ancient India and is based on the belief in the eternal soul, karma, reincarnation, and the pursuit of ultimate liberation.
Buddhism: A non-theistic religion that originated in ancient India and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is known as the Buddha. It emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to achieve enlightenment.
Zoroastrianism: A monotheistic religion that originated in ancient Persia and is based on the belief in one God and the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster.
Confucianism: A philosophical and ethical system that originated in ancient China and emphasizes the importance of respect, order, social harmony, and moral behavior.
Taoism: A philosophical and religious tradition that originated in ancient China and is based on the belief in the natural balance of the universe, the importance of self-reflection, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
Shintoism: A polytheistic religion that originated in Japan and is based on the belief in the kami (spirits) of nature and ancestors. The religion emphasizes purification and the importance of harmony with nature.
Ancient Egyptian religion: A polytheistic religion that originated in ancient Egypt and is based on the belief in the cycle of life, death, and resurrection, and the worship of numerous gods and goddesses.
"Their polytheistic religion is known for having honored many deities."
"The presence of Greeks on the Italian peninsula from the beginning of the historical period influenced Roman culture, introducing some religious practices that became fundamental."
"Etruscan religion was also a major influence, particularly on the practice of augury, used by the state to seek the will of the gods."
"According to legends, most of Rome's religious institutions could be traced to its founders, particularly Numa Pompilius, the Sabine second king of Rome, who negotiated directly with the gods."
"This archaic religion was the foundation of the mos maiorum, 'the way of the ancestors' or simply 'tradition,' viewed as central to Roman identity."
"Roman religion was practical and contractual, based on the principle of do ut des, 'I give that you might give'."
"Religion depended on knowledge and the correct practice of prayer, rite, and sacrifice."
"Even the most skeptical among Rome's intellectual elite such as Cicero, who was an augur, saw religion as a source of social order."
"As the Roman Empire expanded, migrants to the capital brought their local cults, many of which became popular among Italians."
"Christianity was eventually the most successful of these cults, and in 380 became the official state religion."
"For ordinary Romans, religion was a part of daily life."
"Each home had a household shrine at which prayers and libations to the family's domestic deities were offered."
"Neighborhood shrines and sacred places such as springs and groves dotted the city."
"The Roman calendar was structured around religious observances."
"Women, slaves, and children all participated in a range of religious activities."
"Some public rituals could be conducted only by women."
"Women formed what is perhaps Rome's most famous priesthood, the state-supported Vestals, who tended Rome's sacred hearth for centuries."
"The Vestals were disbanded under Christian domination."
"Religion was seen as a source of social order." (Cicero, as mentioned earlier)