The Cult Of Hercules In Rome Flashcards
Because of which character did the Cult of Hercules follow a non Roman tradition ?
Evander was originally Greek
- so the Cult followed Greek traditions rather than Roman which is fairly unique to say the least
How did we get some information about the cult and where ?
Virgil’s epic
- by chance Aeneas traveled to Evander city and witnessed an animal ritual
What did the annual ritual of the cult of Hercules involve ?
- sacrificing if an animal and burning of incense
- only men could take part
Where did the sacrifice take place ?
The great Altar of Hercules
Where was the location of the sacrifice located ? ( dodgy question but you have to know it)
The great Alter of Hercules is located between the Tiber and the Palatine hill
What did the name of the original sacrificial place for the annual sacrifice become known as ?
Later known as the Forum Boarium
Who was the sacrifice dedicated to ?
Hercules but also other gods
What other important structure was dedicated to Hercules ?
The temple of Hercules the victor in the same area
Who initially ran the cult ?
Potitii and Pinarii families as they had originally been instructed on how to correctly worship him by Hercules himself
When and how as this responsibility transferred to ?
312 BC to a group of slaves
Who worshiped Hercules in Rome ?
The cult of Hercules
Slaves
Gladiators
What eveidence do we have of Hercules being important to gladiators ?
When a gladiator was freed he was presented with a wooden sword which was hung in the Temple of Hercules the victor
