Roman religion
| Roman religion | |
|---|---|
| Family | Ancient / Mediterranean |
| Origin region | Rome and the Roman world |
| Founding period | Early Rome through late antiquity |
| Estimated adherents | Historical tradition; symbolically revived by some modern Roman polytheists. |
Roman religion is roman religion was the public and household religious system of ancient Rome, emphasizing ritual correctness, civic duty, ancestral tradition, divine favor, and the maintenance of peace with the gods.
Overview
Roman religion included state cults, household rites, priestly colleges, vows, sacrifices, divination, imperial cult, and the adoption of many gods and practices from conquered regions. It was closely linked to law, citizenship, family, military life, and the public identity of Rome.
Key beliefs
- The pax deorum, or right relationship between the community and the gods
- A pantheon including Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, Mars, Venus, Vesta, Janus, Saturn, Ceres, Mercury, and Neptune
- Ancestral spirits, household gods, lares, penates, and genius
- Ritual correctness and vows as central to religious life
- Divination, omens, and priestly interpretation
Practices
- Public sacrifice and state festivals
- Household offerings at the lararium
- Augury, haruspicy, and ritual consultation
- Vows, dedications, and triumphal rites
- Imperial cult in many provinces
Places of worship
- Temple
- Forum shrine
- Household lararium
- Altar
- Military sanctuary
Sacred texts
- Ritual calendars
- Priestly records
- Classical poetry and antiquarian writings
- Sibylline materials in Roman tradition
Holidays and observances
- Saturnalia
- Lupercalia
- Parentalia
- Vestalia
- Floralia
Branches and related traditions
- Religio Romana - Modern reconstructionist or revivalist forms of Roman polytheism.
- Imperial cult - Ritual veneration of emperors and imperial power.
- Mystery religions - Initiatory cults that flourished in the Roman world.