CLA160H1 Final: Final Prep
Document Summary
Cultus: (from colere) from verb meaning to take care/attend to". Refers to a group (college) that worships a certain deity (e. g. , the cult of juno regina). Nowadays the term cult has a derogatory meaning but this was not so in ancient rome. Religio: (from religare) from latin word meaning binding together". Refers to obligation to/ from gods, and giving gods their due. It is an abstract term for anything you do towards the gods. Superstitio: (from verb superstare) from verb meaning to stand over". Refers to things you do on top of your additional duties to the gods, going over and above the call of duty. This word carries a negative connotation in ancient rome. Deus, dea: meaning god", and a word which has gender and goes back to early roman language. Some people want to argue that early romans only worshipped abstract nature powers, but these words prove that they had concept of personified power.
