Religion Flashcards
(25 cards)
Who could enter a temple?
Temples inaccessible to the general public. Religious ceremonies (sacrifices) took place outside.
What did temples contain?
Temples had a main room (cella) where the cult deity to which the temple was devoted was kept.
Where could religious buildings be found?
Religious buildings could be found all over Rome. The Roman Forum was the political centre but also had an important religious focus (Temple of Vesta). Represents mix of political and religious.
Where did people worship?
Publicly at temples, crossroad etc and privately at home. Shrines were often found in the atrium or kitchen eg House of Vettii, one of the richest households in Pompeii.
What was the ideal sacrifice? (1)
Animal sacrifice was an important part of Roman/pagan ritual. It was meant as an offering to the gods. First there would be a procession of victims to the alter…
What was the ideal sacrifice? (2)
A prayer was given by the main officiant at the sacrifice. The offering of wine, incense etc…
What was the ideal sacrifice? (3)
Wine was poured over the animal’s head by the main sacrificant….
What was the ideal sacrifice? (4)
The animals were killed by slaves. They were knocked unconscious by a blow to the head before having their throats cut…
What was the ideal sacrifice? (5)
An augur would examine the animal’s entrails for omens…
What was the ideal sacrifice? (6)
Parts of the animal were then burnt. The smoke would go up to the gods. A banquet was then usually held by the participants at the sacrifice and the rest of the meat was eaten.
How do we know about sacrifices?
Sacrifices were sometimes recorded through images or inscriptions. Such as those documented by the Arval Brothers which include regular sacrifices (well being of the emperor) as well as annual and those commemorating particular events.
Non-animal sacrifice?
Sacrifice did not always involve the shedding of blood. Sometimes incense, cakes or fruits were sacrificed. The libation of grain and salt was an early form of sacrifice.
How did Romans see human sacrifice?
Human sacrifice was a powerful symbol of the sacrificial system. It was usually seen as foreign and barbarian, going against civilised Roman behaviour. However there are examples that suggest otherwise, such as the legend of the general who vowed his own life in return of victory.
Any examples of Romans performing human sacrifice?
On three occasions Gauls and Greeks were buried alive at the Forum Boarium in the later republic. However this was uncommon.
How was human sacrifice used against others?
Christians were accused of sacrificing babies and cannibalism. This second assumption was probably due to a misunderstanding of ‘the partaking of the body and blood of Christ’. People assumed that Druids and Magicians sacrificed humans.
How did some cults differ?
Some cults liked to differentiate themselves from the norm, such as the Magna Mater who made their animal sacrifices slightly different.
How did Christians feel about sacrifice?
Christians rejected sacrifice. Unwillingness to sacrifice was used as a sign of Christianity. It was seen as and insult to the Gods and sometimes even treason. It could be used as evidence in a trial. Certificates could be given to those who had performed a sacrifice in front of witnesses which could be used as protection in the future.
Describe the persecution of the Christians.
Emperor Nero in 64 A.D. was the first to persecute Christians. He may have used this as a distraction from a fire that had destroyed much of Rome for which rumours were blaming him. Indeed, persecution of Christians was sporadic but seems to increase when times were hard. Being, or having been a Christian was not always an offence. For example, under Emperor Trajan, ex-Christians were not prosectuted.
The end of Christian persecution.
Christians who were put to death were seen by some as martyrs. It was Emperor Constantine who put an end to Christian persecution. He converted to Christianity himself in 312 A.D. although it is debated to what extent he really was a Christian. Future Christian Emperors such as Theodosius banned traditional cults, temples, and sacrifices, also changing the calendar.
Each home had a…
Each home had a household shrine at which prayers and offerings to the family’s domestic deities were given.
What didn’t Roman religion offer?
An afterlife.
What was Lares?
Lares was a guardian deity that was worshiped in households among other places.
Where could one find statues to gods?
Everywhere, in homes, temples, crossroads etc.
What is the earliest evidence for Roman religion?
Burials baring grave goods and votive deposits which date from the end of the tenth century onwards.
