Roman Religion Flashcards

1
Q

Polytheistic

A

Many gods and goddesses (not monotheistic)

Each god has its own area of authority

Route of Triumph goes to Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus (their overall cult god) - state god

Worshipped at several different levels in society:
State, individual, etc.

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2
Q

Republican Civil Offices

A

*Priests are elected for life

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3
Q

Temple of Vesta

A
  • Began being worshipped in private houses
  • Connects Vesta’s fire and the sun as sources of life
  • Instead of the area where the cult statue would be, a fire would be lit
  • Vestals, are priestesses who would guard the fire and ensure its survival
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4
Q

Roman Calendar (Fasti) from Antium

A
  • Chronological based list or official and religious event
    • List of Triumphs celebrated, annals
    • Believed to be the lunar calendar (based on Greek calendar)?
  • Shows months: Januarius, Febuarius, etc.
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5
Q

Attributes of the Roman Calendar

A
  1. Nundinae system: the days were divided into weeks of 8 days each and were indicated by the letters A-H
  2. Month-days: Kalends (1st), Nones (5th or 7th), (E)Ides (13th or 15th)
  3. Each day was marked by a letter to show its status

F: days when action in the civil courts could be initiated
C: day when Roman people could hold assemblies
N: When political activities and admin of justice were not allowed

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6
Q

Domestic Cult

A

Lares - protect the family, household god
Genius - protects the paterfamilias

-Household cult in the Atrium
Salutatio ceremony in Tablinium

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7
Q

New gods could join the Roman Pantheon

A
  1. New group sets up altars
  2. Roman officials entice foreign gods to support romans – Evocatio
  3. Gods direct roman state to take in a new god
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8
Q

Magna Mater/Cybele

A

Rome adopted her cult during the 2nd Punic War

- After failing crops, Rome’s defeat, famine, etc.
- From Greek and Phrygian cults
- Piety, purity and fertility
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9
Q

Mithraic Mysteries:

A

1-4th C AD after Persian god Mithra

  • Complex system of worship with 7 initiation grades with ritual meals
  • Mithras was born Dec 25th
  • No public ceremonies
  • Oath of dedication
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