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