Roman Religion

Basic Beliefs Polytheistic. Rituals done to gain favor of the gods. Private rituals at shrines (lararium) in their own homes.

Roman And Greek Religion Similarities Same gods Sacrifices and offerings Temples Belief in life after death Gods had human personalities Differences Latin names rather than Greek names Who performed the rituals Roman gods were more cold and formal

To be a citizen of the Roman Empire was seen as a great honor... libertas ( freedom, liberty, independence ) Romans believed their prosperity was due to: –their legal system –the emperor’s genius –the gods’ happiness Roman duty to honor Gods “Rome is the light.” The idea of Rome:

Religious ceremonies were performed by the wealthy – everyone else watched “I’ll sacrifice 100 bulls in your honor, Father”

Other religions... Rome conquered Judea Romans left them alone –Not forced to worship Roman gods –Given Roman citizenship –Key: as long as they paid taxes

When Rome Needed Money 70 CE -- The Great Revolt –Over 1 million Jews killed when they protested The Diaspora in 135 CE

The “cult” of Christianity Christians were ignored at first As their numbers grew the Romans were angered: –Christians wouldn’t worship with the Jews or the Romans –Christians wouldn’t worship the Emperor as a god –Christians were often treated as criminals

Roman Empire

The End of the Roman Republic Enlarged territory brought economic turmoil Enlarged territory brought economic turmoil –Rich landowners vs. thousands of slaves –Uncontrollable/powerful military Civil War between Consuls Pompey and Caesar Civil War between Consuls Pompey and Caesar

Julius Caesar Consul at 31. Consul at 31. Brilliant tactician. Brilliant tactician. Seized control of Rome. Seized control of Rome. Assassinated by Senators. Assassinated by Senators.

Augustus Caesar (Octavian) Adopted nephew of Julius Caesar. Adopted nephew of Julius Caesar. Caesar’s death lead to civil war. Caesar’s death lead to civil war. –Augustus was the winner. First ruler of the empire. First ruler of the empire.

Pax Romana “Roman Peace” “Roman Peace” Lasted for 200 years and 5 emperors Lasted for 200 years and 5 emperors Roman Empire included all lands around the Mediterranean Sea and most of Northwest Europe. Roman Empire included all lands around the Mediterranean Sea and most of Northwest Europe. –3 million square miles –60-80 million population

How did the Romans manage the empire? Code of Law Code of Law –Basis of modern law –Lawyers Bureaucracy Bureaucracy –Emperor –Government Officials –Provincial Governments

Rebellions? Spartacus Spartacus –Gladiator –Lead a slave revolt –Gathered 70,000 slaves to his “army” –Held out on Mt. Vesuvius for 3 years –As punishment Rome crucified the rebels along Appian Way –The crosses ran for 120 miles