Ancient Rome and the Cult of the State. Ancient Rome was a polytheistic society, meaning its citizens worshipped gods, goddesses and other religious intermediaries that inhabited the unknown. In particular, the Romans venerated their leaders as having a divine origin and believed that their state’s power was derived from the gods. The ancient Roman religion was closely tied to the government and the state’s success, which helped instill a sense of national and civic pride among its citizens.
The centerpiece of the Roman religious system was Jupiter, the king of gods, chief magistrate and symbol of power. Next to him were the other main gods: Apollo, goddess of with witchcraft and Persius, the god of war. These gods and goddesses were the principal deities of the Roman pantheon, presiding over a variety of aspects of daily life, such as war and fertility. Alongside them were numerous secondary gods such as Saturn, god of agriculture and husbandry; Ceres, the goddess of fertility; and Minerva, goddess of wisdom.
The ancient Romans revered their gods somewhat differently than the Greeks did. They did not attempt to explain phenomena or fit it into complex systems of philosophy as the Greeks had done. Instead, Roman religious practice was based upon superstition and ritual. The people believed that the gods answered petitions, and that being in their favor could lead to wealth, courage, and success. By fulfilling their duties of loyalty to the gods and satisfying their religious obligations to them, people hoped to receive these benefits.
One of the most significant aspects of the Roman cult was devotion to the state and its leaders. Being a citizen of the Roman empire was considered an honor, and people believed that by expressing loyalty to their government and leaders, they would receive similar benefits from Jupiter. The cult of the state also encouraged terms of kinship among its members, which helped foster a sense of belonging among the people.
Public holidays were an important part of the Roman religious festivals, and the state regularly held festivals for the gods and goddesses, during which the people would perform rituals and sacrifices. Additionally, individuals regularly consulted fortunetellers and soothsayers to gain insight into how their actions would be taken by the gods, or simply to ask for advice.
Due to the collapse of the Roman Empire, much of the religious practice of the Roman religion is lost. Nevertheless, Rome’s legacy of religious beliefs, superstition, and rituals continue to influence how many countries practice religion today. The legacy of Rome’s reverence for the state also continues to influence how nations today perceive the importance of their state and the civil-political relationships between its citizens.
Foreign Influences on Roman Religion
In addition to a reverence for the state, ancient Rome was heavily influenced by foreign religions. Greek mythology, in particular, played a large role in the religion of Rome, with many of the Roman gods being based upon traditional Greek deities, such as Zeus and Apollo. Over time, the Romans also absorbed other foreign religions such as the cults of Egypt and Babylon.
The Romans were also strongly influenced by Roman Stoicism, an idea of conduct and ethics founded by the philosopher Zeno of Citium. It taught that people should accept whatever happens to them with composure and resign themselves to fate, since it was often the case that humans could not control the forces of nature. This ethos was widely accepted throughout the Roman empire and provided an ethical foundation for many of the religious practices and ceremonies of the time.
In addition, many of the Roman gods were associated with Greek or Etruscan gods. This was because the Etruscan people were one of the original cultures that inhabited the Italian peninsula. They had a very complex and organized pantheon of gods, and their myths and gods interacted with the Roman gods, leading to a combination and shared worship of various gods.
The Decline and Legacy of Ancient Roman Religion
The decline of the Roman religion was caused by a variety of factors, most notably the rise of Christianity in the 4th century CE. This new religion was seen as a threat to the Roman state, and its followers were persecuted by the state in an effort to maintain the traditional religious beliefs. Eventually, though, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire and supplanted the ancient Roman religion.
The legacy of Roman religion, however, still lives on. Many Christian holidays and customs, such as Christmas and Easter, were borrowed from pagan Roman rituals. Additionally, the modern concept of religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church, was heavily inspired by the Roman version of organized religion. Even today, many of the symbols and artifacts associated with Rome, such as the Colosseum and the Roman eagle, remind us of Rome’s once powerful and influential religions.
Roman Religion in Popular Culture
The legacy of Roman religion has endured not only into the present, but also is evidenced in popular culture. Roman gods and goddesses have been featured in various pieces of artwork, literature, and film. In addition, books and magazines on Roman mythology and history are widely available and remain extremely popular. These works often explore the deep religious customs and beliefs of the ancient Romans, helping to keep Roman religion alive and relevant in today’s world.
Roman religion is also evident in the works of popular musicians and performers such as Kanye West and Lady Gaga, who have adopted certain gods and goddesses for their use in music videos, lyrics, and transformations. By doing so, these artists are providing modern interpretations of the religion that once ruled over the ancient world.
The Modern Application of Roman Religion
As mentioned, the influence of Roman religion is still seen today. This can be seen in the various state religions of many countries. For example, many African countries and nations in Latin America have adopted the concept of devotion to the state, with near-deification of their leaders, and religious obligations becoming tied to the state.
This concept has also been adopted in the United States, as the principle of separation of church and state was adopted as an essential component of democracy. This principle was important to the Roman Empire and has been adopted in many countries, with the goal being to ensure that all citizens have equal access to religious freedom and protection from religious persecution.
In addition, the core philosophy of the ancient Romans, which was largely based on Stoicism and devotion to the state, can still be seen in many aspects of modern life. For example, the importance of loyalty and respect for the state is still seen in many countries, as well as personal responsibility and maintaining a sense of moderation. Ultimately, the religious customs and beliefs of the Ancient Romans have had a lasting impact upon the modern world, and continue to influence our lives to this day.
