Roman religion shaped both everyday life and public affairs. This lesson explores the Roman sense of religious obligation, the relationship between religion and political power, and the special role of the Vestal Virgins.
The Latin word religio, from which the English word religion derives, referred to an obligation to the gods. Romans believed divine powers were present throughout the physical world, so religious practice was part of ordinary life as well as public ceremony. Romans offered animal sacrifices to seek divine favor, good fortune, or guidance when facing a question or problem.
All flashcards
What did religio mean to Romans?
It meant an obligation to the gods and a responsibility to attend to divine and religious matters.
What was the imperial cult?
A collection of rites and practices honoring the divine status of deceased emperors, often administered by dedicated priesthoods.
Define apotheosis.
Apotheosis was the formal process of declaring a deceased emperor divine, generally with approval from a successor and the Senate.
What was the main duty of the Vestal Virgins?
The six Vestals served Vesta and guarded the sacred fire, which symbolized Rome’s continuing life.
Why is Claudia Quinta remembered?
According to Roman tradition, she prayed and the ship carrying Magna Mater moved; Romans treated this as proof of her chastity and divine favor.
Quiz questions
In early Christian communities, where did worship often take place before purpose-built churches became common?Answer: In house churches.
What did Emperor Trajan advise Pliny to do about people accused of being Christians?Answer: Do not search for them, but punish those brought forward who refused to renounce their faith.
What did Decius require across the empire in 250 CE?Answer: Universal sacrifice.
How does the account of Perpetua portray martyrdom?Answer: As witness to faith through suffering and death.
What was the effect of the Edict of Milan in 313?Answer: It established religious toleration and ended Christianity’s illegal status.
Based on World History Volume 1, to 1500 by Ann Kordas, Ryan J. Lynch, Brooke Nelson, Julie Tatlock (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.