"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."
Analysis of the religious beliefs, practices, and ceremonies of Ancient Rome, including the influence of Hellenistic religion.
Roman Gods and Goddesses: The Romans believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with their own specific attributes and responsibilities.
Roman Mythology: The myths and legends associated with the Roman gods and goddesses, including the stories of their victories, defeats, love affairs, and interactions with mortals.
Roman Festivals and Ceremonies: The various religious and cultural celebrations held throughout the year, including the Saturnalia, Lupercalia, and the Festival of the Vestal Virgins.
Roman Temples and Shrines: The structures dedicated to the worship of the gods and goddesses, including the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vesta, and the Pantheon.
Roman Priests and Priestesses: The men and women who performed the rituals and ceremonies associated with the Roman religion, including the Vestal Virgins, the Augurs, and the Flamen.
Roman Funerary Practices: The customs and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife in ancient Rome, including burial practices, funeral rites, and the cult of the dead.
Roman Magic and Divination: The various practices and techniques used to predict the future, communicate with the gods, and influence events, including astrology, omens, and oracles.
Roman Imperial Cult: The worship of the emperor as a divine or semi-divine figure, including the establishment of cults and the construction of temples in his honor.
Roman Mithraism: A mystery religion that emerged in the Roman Empire in the first century BCE, focused on the god Mithras and featuring initiation rituals and communal meals.
Roman Christianity: The emergence and spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire, including the persecution of Christians and the eventual adoption of Christianity as the official religion of the empire.
Roman Religion: The indigenous religion of Ancient Rome, which involved the worship of local gods, goddesses, and spirits.
Imperial Cult: The worship of the deified Roman emperors and their families as divine beings.
Mystery Cults: Secret religious societies that required initiation and offered a deeper knowledge of the divine.
Stoicism: A philosophy that emphasized rationality, virtue, and self-discipline as a means to a good life.
Epicureanism: A philosophy that advocated pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the ultimate goals in life.
Neoplatonism: A philosophical and mystical school that sought to unite the divine and the material world.
Christianity: A new monotheistic religion that emerged in the Roman Empire and eventually became the dominant faith.
Judaism: A monotheistic religion that predates the Roman Empire, but was practiced within its borders.
Mithraism: A mystery religion that worshipped the god Mithras, who was associated with the sun and commonly depicted slaying a bull.
Isis Worship: A religion that originated in Egypt and worshipped the goddess Isis, who was associated with motherhood, fertility, and magic.
"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)