Roman beliefs Flashcards
in the cella within the temple to Jupiter on the Capital, who was worshipped via the sacred stone?
Terminus, who was worshipped since the the Etruscan Kings, there on the Capitoline Hill. The sacred stone was not to be moved.
Why were mystery religions east of Greece also appealing to the Romans?
They promised everlasting life after death, such as Christianity and Judaism and the worship of Isis.
Isis was originally banned before taking off but what other popular god (a Greek god) was originally banned?
Dionysus.
What Persian god was quickly supported and why?
Mithra. Addressed often as “Sol invictus Mithras.” This was the god of truth and justice which fit well for Roman soldiers.
Why were the initiations of the rites of Mithras partially underground?
the most famous exploit of Mithras was the slaying of a bull in a cave which was symbolized in the initiation rites
within the shine (Mithraea).
Augustus was tolerant of the Jews but what 2 emperors were not?
Tiberius and Claudius expelled them from the city
Why would Romans have confused Judaism with Christianity?
Worshipped only one god
Was Christianity usually tolerated? Which Roman emperor didn’t tolerate them? why?
usually the roman government chose to leave them alone (they were often poor and powerless). Nero attached them because he was looking for a scapegoat to blame a great city fire on.
What was the popular philosophy that Euphrosyne brought to Rome?
Stoicism.
What did Stoics believe?
man’s aim should be virtue, right behavior rather than pleasure.
Did stoics believe in a one man rule?
no. they valued a republic nor did they think that just a few should rule or have inherited rule.
were temples just for praying? what else occurred there?
no. 1. meeting place for the senate. 2. exhibition of significant treaties, 3. festivals (feriae) and ceremonies , 4. place for storing of art, books.
What kinds of ceremonies and festivals occurred in the temples?
- husbands giving wives presents in March (Matronalia), 2. honoring the changing of the seasons (dances of Salli), 3. gift giving in December during the Saturnalia,4. honoring the deceased in February (Parentalia)
