Roman Religion

Basic Beliefs

• Polytheistic. • Rituals done to gain

favor of the gods. • Private rituals at

shrines (lararium) in their own homes.

Roman And Greek Religion

Similarities • Same gods• Sacrifices and

offerings• Temples• Belief in life after

death• Gods had human

personalities

Differences• Latin names rather

than Greek names• Who performed the

rituals• Roman gods were

more cold and formal

To be a citizen of the Roman Empire was seen as a great honor...

• libertas (freedom, liberty, independence )

• Romans believed their prosperity was due to:– their legal system– the emperor’s genius– the gods’ happiness

• Roman duty to honor Gods

“Rome is the light.”

The idea of Rome:

• Religious ceremonies were performed by the wealthy – everyone else watched

“I’ll sacrifice 100 bulls in your honor, Father”

Other religions...

• Rome conquered Judea• Romans left them alone

– Not forced to worship Roman gods– Given Roman citizenship– Key: as long as they paid taxes

When Rome Needed Money

• 70 CE -- The Great Revolt – Over 1 million Jews killed when they protested

• The Diaspora in 135 CE

The “cult” of Christianity

• Christians were ignored at first

• As their numbers grew the Romans were angered: – Christians wouldn’t worship

with the Jews or the Romans– Christians wouldn’t worship the

Emperor as a god– Christians were often treated as

criminals

Roman Empire

The End of the Roman Republic

Enlarged territory brought economic turmoil– Rich landowners vs. thousands of slaves– Uncontrollable/powerful military

Civil War between Consuls Pompey and Caesar

Julius Caesar

Consul at 31. Brilliant tactician. Seized control of

Rome. Assassinated by

Senators.

Augustus Caesar (Octavian)

Adopted nephew of Julius Caesar.

Caesar’s death lead to civil war.– Augustus was the

winner. First ruler of the

empire.

Pax Romana

“Roman Peace” Lasted for 200 years and 5 emperors Roman Empire included all lands

around the Mediterranean Sea and most of Northwest Europe. – 3 million square miles– 60-80 million population

How did the Romans manage the empire?

Code of Law– Basis of

modern law– Lawyers

Bureaucracy– Emperor– Government

Officials– Provincial

Governments

Rebellions?

Spartacus– Gladiator– Lead a slave revolt– Gathered 70,000

slaves to his “army”– Held out on Mt.

Vesuvius for 3 years– As punishment

Rome crucified the rebels along Appian Way

– The crosses ran for 120 miles