The Religion of Ancient Rome - Softcover

Cyril Bailey

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9781330262221: The Religion of Ancient Rome

Synopsis

This book offers an examination of the native religion practiced in Rome before it was influenced by external cultures, particularly Greek. The author's primary focus is on the belief systems and practices of the early Romans, particularly their concepts of gods, rituals, and the relationship between the divine and the human. The author argues that the religion of early Rome was characterized by a belief in impersonal divine powers, or numina, who controlled various aspects of nature and human life. These numina were distinct from the anthropomorphic gods of later Roman religion and were not typically represented in human form or with human characteristics. Instead, they were associated with specific places or objects, such as trees, groves, or springs. The book also explores the practical aspects of early Roman religion, including the role of priests, the performance of rituals, and the significance of religious festivals. The author argues that religion played a central role in the lives of early Romans, shaping their moral values, social customs, and understanding of the world around them.

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About the Author

Cyril Bailey, M.A. (1871 to 1957) M.A. Fellow, Tutor and Librarian at Balliol College, Oxford. Author of the The Religion of Ancient Rome; Some Greek and Roman Ideas of a Future Life (1915); Lucretius (1949)

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