Introduction to Roman Religion Notes

Booklet page 66

I. Introductory Questions

    A. What is a myth?

        1. A traditional story of a group of people about gods, kings, heroes, monsters, and people

        2. Handed down over the years

        3. Connected with religious beliefs and rituals performed at public festivals

    B. What is mythology?

        1. The study of myths

    C. Why were myths created?

        1. To explain natural phenomena

        2. To teach humans proper behavior and provide a moral code for life

        3. To explain how people gained basic things

        4. To account for name origins

II. Definitions

    A. Types of religions

        1. Monotheistic - worship of one god

        2. Polytheistic - worship of more than one / many gods

    B. Latin terms

        1. Deus, dei - god

        2. Dea, deae - goddess

III. Qualities of Roman gods and goddesses

    A. Many gods and goddesses were borrowed from the Greeks

    B. Many minor gods also from region of Italy and other nations

    C. The gods and goddesses have anthropomorphic qualities

        1. They are like humans

        2. They have the appearance, thoughts, and emotions similar to humans

    D. They are different from humans

        1. They are greater and more powerful than humans

        2. The are immortal - they cannot die (although they can experience pain)

    E. Food and drink of the gods

        1. Food was called ambrosia

        2. Drink was called nectar

IV. Role of Gods and Goddesses in Religion

    A. Center or Roman religion - please the gods and goddesses

        1. Pax deorum - peace with the gods

        2. Important to gain the favor of the gods to ensure success and security for individual

    B. Gods controlled human acts and forces of nature

        1. Spirits controlled all aspects of nature -- called numina

    C. Romans had regular rituals, festivals, and special sacrifices

    D. They did not include much in the way of moral instruction or restrictive laws

V. Government Officials connected to Religion

    A. Religion and the government were connected

    B. Priests and priestesses were given the responsibility of keeping the gods' favor

    C. Highest priest - pontifex maximus

        1. He was an elected / selected government official

        2. He was the head of a board of 15 priests who regulated Roman religion

        3. He was the head of state religion

VI. Religion's Influence on the Roman government

    A. No state function  could begin without first being preceded by special religious ritual

    B. Powerful ruler was seen as a god

        1. Roman emperors considered themselves gods worthy of worship

 Additional Notes

Types of Myths:

    * etiological - explain causes for natural phenomena

    * entertaining - lively, imaginative

    * historical - based on fact but happened so long ago that it is shrouded in mystery; hard to separate fact from myth

Essential Elements of Myths:

    * Gods / goddesses

    * Unlikely events

    * Punishment or reward given by the gods/goddesses

    * Intervention of gods in human affairs

    * Non-specificity of time

    * Superhuman heroes

    * Fantastic creatures

    * Extraordinary events

Purpose of Myths:

    * To explain elements of the natural world

    * To explain origins of good and evil

    * To teach valuable moral lessons about living

    * To explain human behavior