The Roman Festivals of the Period of the Republic (Classic Reprint): An Introduction to the Study of the Religion of the Romans

Explore how Rome’s old festivals shaped public life and state faith.

This scholarly overview examines the climatic shift from early ritual to a religion shaped by state power and Greek influence. It traces how traditional Roman rites dimmed as politics and culture intertwined, offering a clear view of how religion and government influenced each other during the Republic.

From harvest rites to public ceremonies, the book surveys the rituals that bound Romans to their land and to one another. It highlights how official rituals, priestly authority, and urban life interacted with foreign cults, art, and literature, shaping a distinctive Roman religious mindset. The discussion also touches on the study of ancient coins and temple dedications to illuminate how faith and state power met in everyday life.

• Key festivals and calendar notes that guided farming, sacrifice, and public celebration
• How religion served state needs and how ritual authority changed over time
• Connections between Roman and neighboring cults, art, and literature
• Insights from inscriptions, coins, and temple histories to illuminate practice

Ideal for readers of Roman history, religious antiquities, and classical studies seeking a concise, accessible account of Rome’s Republic-era festivals.