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