Religion in Ancient Rome was one of the most important aspects of Ancient Roman society and culture. In fact, it played a significant role in the daily life and politics of the ancient Roman people. It’s important to note that Roman religion changed over time. For instance, its history included the pantheon of Roman gods and goddesses, as well as the emergence of Christianity. As such, historians consider religion in Ancient Rome to be an important part of understanding the culture and history of the Ancient Roman Empire.
RELIGION IN ANCIENT ROME – HISTORY
As stated above, religion in Ancient Rome was an important part of the daily lives of the Roman people. This was true throughout the history of Ancient Rome, and included different beliefs at different times. For instance, the diversity of beliefs in the history of Ancient Rome included: Imperial Cult, Mystery Cults, and Christianity.
ROMAN KINGDOM
Religion in Ancient Rome has played an important role in Roman society since the time of the Roman Kingdom, which occured from 753 to 509 BCE. In fact, early Romans were deeply superstitious and believed in spirits which symbolized aspects of life, such as: rivers, trees and homes.
As Rome grew and interacted with neighboring cultures, its religion began to expand. The early Romans adopted gods from the Etruscans, their northern neighbors, and from Greek mythology, which became a major influence on Roman religion. For instance, many Roman gods were directly borrowed from Greek ones. For example, Zeus became Jupiter, Hera became Juno, and Poseidon became Neptune. Over time, the Romans developed a complex pantheon of gods who represented every aspect of life, from war and love to harvest and home.
ROMAN EMPIRE AND IMPERIAL CULT
During the time of the Roman Empire, which occurred from 27 BCE to 476 CE, religion took on new political significance with the rise of the imperial cult, or the worship of the emperor. Emperors such as Augustus, Vespasian, and Trajan were honored as semi-divine figures, and after death, many were officially deified made gods by the Senate. Temples and altars were built to honor the emperors, especially in the provinces, where the imperial cult helped strengthen loyalty to Rome. For the Roman people, participating in emperor worship was both a religious and civic duty. In fact, it was a way to express gratitude and allegiance to the empire.
Augustus was the first Roman Emperor and he understood the political importance of religion in Rome. He encouraged the idea of emperor worship or the idea that the emperor was god-like because Roman citizens were much less likely to oppose the emperor if he was divine.
MYSTERY CULTS AND FOREIGN INFLUENCE
Due to the expansive nature of the Roman Empire, many religions and religious movements would influence the great empire. For example, the empire was influenced by foreign ‘mystery cults’. Specifically, the worship of Cybele, the ‘Great Mother’ originated in modern-day Turkey and was popular among women. Another mystery cult that impacted Rome was that of the Egyptian goddess Isis.
Another religion, Mithraism, was a religion that became popular among Roman soldiers. It originated in modern-day Iran and worshipers of this religion believed that all life of earth sprang from the blood of a bull that had been killed by a hero-god.
CHRISTIANITY
Christianity would have the biggest impact on the Roman Empire. It was founded at the same time as the Roman Empire itself but took a long time to develop within the Roman Empire. Because Christians refused to worship the Roman gods, they were persecuted by many early Roman emperors. This was especially true under emperors such as Nero and Diocletian.
However, Christianity gained more and more followers and in 313 CE it was recognized and Emperor Constantine would make it the official Roman religion. In fact, he issues the Edict of Milan, which allowed freedom of religion to Christians of the time. By the late 4th century, under Emperor Theodosius I, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Today, some historians consider the rise of Christianity in Ancient Rome as one of the main reasons for the collapse of Ancient Rome.
RELIGION IN ANCIENT ROME – GODS AND GODDESSES
Ancient Rome is famous for many different aspects of its history, including its unique and varied religions. Specifically, many are fascinated with Ancient Roman gods and goddesses and their interesting histories. Below are a selection of Roman gods and goddesses and a few details about each.
In addition to major gods, Romans worshipped household spirits called Lares and Penates, who protected the home and family. Every Roman household had a small shrine, or ‘lararium’, where daily offerings were made. Religion was not limited to just temples and priests. It was an essential part of family life for the ancient Roman people.
Jupiter
- King of the gods. Equivalent to Zeus who was king of the Gods in Ancient Greece.
- Roman God of the sky, thunderstorms, lightning, weather and air.
- Jupiter was also god of law, order, justice, governance and strength.
- Considered one of, if not the most important god of the Romans. For this reason, Jupiter usually had the highest divine authority over other gods.
- Jupiter’s identifying instrument is the thunderbolt and as a result statues and paintings of Jupiter often depict him holding one.
Neptune
- One of the brothers of Jupiter and as a result was one of the main gods in Ancient Rome.
- Neptune was considered to be ruler of the seas. As a result of his ruling over the seas, Neptune was considered the patron of sailors and the protector of ships.
- Counterpart of the Ancient Greek God of Poseidon.
- Neptune was also associated with horses and as a result was a patron of horse racing.
Juno
- A powerful God and was considered to be the Queen of the Gods. Juno was the wife of Jupiter.
- Goddess of marriage and women. Protector and counsellor of Rome.
- Juno was the daughter of Saturn.
- Juno is often depicted sitting with a peacock and in war like attire.
Mars
- Mars was the God of War, spring and justice.
- Considered to be the guardian of agriculture.
- Mars was also the patron of the Roman Legions and divine father of Romulus and Remus who feature in a popular and well known Roman legend.
- Thought to have been important in establishing religious and cultural identity within Rome.
Venus
- Goddess of Love and consort of Mars.
- Divine mother of Aeneas, ancestor of the Romans.
- Venus is one of the most widely known, and referenced Roman god’s.
Bellona
- Goddess of war, conquest and peace.
- Bellona is always depicted wearing a military helmet.
- Bellona’s first temple was erected in 296 BCE in Rome.
Minerva
- Goddess of wisdom, divine counsel, useful arts, crafts and Later War.
- Minerva was born with weapons from Jupiter.
- Often depicted with her sacred creature, an owl usually named as the “owl of Minerva”. This owl symbolizes wisdom and knowledge.
Janus
- God of Beginnings, Endings, Transition, Doorways and Keys.
- Janus is thought to be the stem of January, and as such is why January is considered to be the start of the New Year on the Roman calendar. However, according to Roman farmers’ Juno was the tutelary deity of the month.
- The doors of his temple were open in time of war, and closed to mark the peace.
Vesta
- Goddess of the Home and the Hearth.
- Patron of Rome.
- Vesta is important to Roman religion and this is indicated by the priesthood that is devoted to her: the Vestal Virgins. This priesthood is Rome’s only college of full-time priests.
