Evidence: Religion Flashcards
household gods, temples, foreign cults and religions, tombs
Wall Painting of Zeus from the House of the Dioscuri in Pompeii
Archaeological Source
Zeus (Jupiter) is crowned by Victory and flanked by the cosmic symbols of eagle and the globe. He holds a sceptor in one hand, a symbol of power and justice.
- The eagle represents something
Capitoline Triad
Jupiter, Juno and Minerva
Main three gods that every single person worships.
Altar in front of the Temple of Vespasian, in the forum of Pompeii
Archaeological Source
Bull being brought for sacrifice
- Sacrifices were made to pay homage to the chief gods of the state
- Every January, they gathered at the nothern end of the forum to celebrate the new year and watch a bull be sacrificed for the safety of the state
- People were not directly involved but uttered prayers (no emotional attachment)
Imperial Cult
+ Source!
A form of homage to the emperor to worship his genius or divine aspect.
The emperor’s name was associated with the goddess, Fortuna, who represented abundance.
- Temple of Fortuna Augusta built close to the Pompeii forum, destroyed by an earthquake and then lovingly restored by the poor (idk how)
Augustales
+ Source!
Augustus founded a religious college of freedom, excavated in Herculaneum.
- The Augusteum (Collegium Augustalium) is still buried in Herculaneum, but the layout is known (somehow…) and a statuary of the Imperial family has been recovered
Temple of Jupiter (Capitolium)
Main Temples in Pompeii
- Located in the Forum
- Dedicated to the Capitoline Triad
- Centre for state religion (lotsa priests)
Temple of Vespasian
Main Temples in Pompeii
- East side of Forum
- Centre of the Imperial Cult in Pompeii
Temple of the Public Lares
Mains Temples in Pompeii
- East side of Forum
- Town lares were worshipped and important statues displayed
Temple of Venus
Main Temples of Pompeii
- Near Marine Gate
- Marble dedicated to Venus Pompeiana (patron goddess of Pompeii) → Pompeii colony was called Colonia Veneria in her honour
- Public paid for the upkeep
Lares
Household Gods
Protect the household and its inhabitants.
Penates
Household Gods
Guardian of the Pantry
Genius
Household Gods
Spirit of the family on the father’s side
Juno
Household Gods
Prayed to on the female side of the family as the force of gerenation and transcendental values.
Agathadaemon (Snake)
Household Gods
Mercury
Household Gods
Wall Painting from Lararium in the House of the Vettii
Archaeological Source (Pompeii)
- Figure in the middle represents the head of the household (paterfamilias) or the guardian spirit (genius), who presents an offering the the lares
- Lares on either side of the central figure
- Serpent on the bottom, a symbol of peace and prosperity
Cella
Temples
A chamber to contain a statue of the deity of the temple, which stood before an alter at which you could pray.
