Paganism in the Roman Empire

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the complex religion of Roman Paganism. The paper describes the basis of Roman superstition -that certain acts would incur the wrath of the gods and explains the Roman religious calendars in relation to the Roman paganistic festival and rites. Although this religion might seem highly complex, the author explains how the Romans were also highly spiritual as they were dependent on religion for everything they did. Sacrifices as part of the rights and rituals of the Romans are also discussed. A list of the forty-six public gods that the Romans worshipped is included with the paper.

Outline:
The Beliefs of Roman Pagans
The Gods of Rome
Superstition & the Gods
Roman Mythology: "Romulus & Remus"
The Organization of Roman Paganism
The Roman Religious Calendars
Boundaries of Worship
The Practice of Roman Paganism
Sacrifice
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The Romans worshipped numerous gods. In cities throughout Rome, many more deities were added throughout the centuries. They were usually local gods. Each city had its own set of local god. The number and names of the local gods are not known. In addition to their local gods, the Romans had a universal 'list' of forty-six of public deities to whom they served and prayed to. Each separate god or goddess had power in their own specific field; thus, they were worshipped based on the aspect of life over which they 'ruled."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fox, Robin L. Pagans and Christians. San Francisco: Harper & Row. 1986.
• Grant, Michael Roman Myths. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. 1971.
• MacMullen, Ramsay Paganism in the Roman Empire. New Haven. 1983.
• Rose, H. Religion in Greece and Rome, with a new introduction by the author... 2008.
• Schied, John an Introduction to Roman Religion. Bloomington. 2003.

More papers on Paganism in the Roman Empire:

• Analytical Essay # 145078 : "The Fall of the Roman Empire"
• Research Paper # 119611 : "The Role of Religion in the Roman Republic"
• Term Paper # 103825 : "The Senatorial Aristocracy in Rome in Late Antiquity"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: