Outside Influences on roman religion

The Etruscans North of Rome Culturally advanced Economically and militarily stronger For some time during 6th century BC they ruled Rome Tarquin the Proud Lucretia

Athens, Greece is over there

The Etruscans 1 - Had many gods 2 - Gods have human shapes Different areas of influence 2 - Gods have human shapes passed idea on to Romans Anthropomorphic 3 - During Etruscan rule they started making images of their gods and goddesses

The Etruscans 4 - Worshipped in temples Romans brought gods in doors to live in temples too 5 - Try to establish what the gods were thinking, wanting or intending to do Divination

Greek cities in italy 510 BC – Romans expelled their royal family Republic governed by magistrates Elected each year from ruling class Romans expanded territory 3rd Century – controlled most of Italy Brought them into contact with Greeks Greeks More civilised and sophisticated

Greek cities in italy Greeks had stories about Romans had some stories origins of the world the gods who controlled it Heroes who once inhabited it Romans had some stories Romulus as founder Twins as sons of Mars BUT the Romans are NOT imaginative MARS

Greek cities in italy Greek gods and goddesses Human personalities Human emotions Love, hate, jealousy, anger, greed, spite Human relationships

The carthaginians Greek cities were advanced culturally BUT weak in military 275 BC – Romans control all Italy Carthage (north Africa) – powerful trading city 2 wars fought 218 BC Hannibal (Carthaginian general) led army with elephants over Swiss Alps Next 15 years ravaged Italy

The carthaginians

The carthaginians 202 BC Romans invade Africa Defeat Hannibal’s army Romans control Carthaginian territory Romans conquered by sophisticated ideas of Hellenistic kingdoms

Hellenistic greeks 6th Century Greek thinkers Origins of the world Nature of the universe How humans should behave Stoicism and Epicureanism Intellectual BUT did not give emotional Only studied by wealthy/educated Greeks abandoned state gods Still worshipped gods in rituals individual

VILLA OF MYSTERIES, POMPEII Hellenistic greeks Rituals were secret Members of cult only Join cults – initiation ceremonies Promised afterlife Mystery religions Cults survived and flourished VILLA OF MYSTERIES, POMPEII

Emperor worship Lack of focus – so many gods Augustus (31 BC – AD 14) No creed/dogma/doctrine Augustus (31 BC – AD 14) Provided focus – self as god Goddess Roma Acceptable in East Italy – not so well Wealthy Romans resented the idea

Hello? I am on my shell-phone Emperor worship Hello? I am on my shell-phone Augustus – Genius His guardian spirit/protector of Rome Eventually… Acceptable to receive divine honours After his death Occasional (insane) Emperor wanted to worshipped while alive

RE-CAP Who was Tarquin the Proud? What five things did the Etruscans give to Roman Religion? What is the most important myth for Romans? What did the Greeks give to Roman Religion? Which famous Carthaginian rampaged across Rome?