CLA233H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter Week 7: Bacchanalia, Pontifex Maximus, Lustratio
Document Summary
Common to all human cultures but differentiates in manifestation. 6-dimensional framework of religion: doctrine, narrative or myth, ethics, rituals, experience, social institution. Rome had state religion because most people accepted it and was believed to ensure the preservation and prosperity of their state. Priests were state officials and temples received state funding. State priests assumed responsibility for maintaining good relationships with the gods. By late republic religion has been substantially modified. New deities and practices were introduced by the etruscans and the greeks: etruscans ruled the romans for 100+ years of monarchy, greek colonists. Process through gradual assimilation rather than sudden import. Importing gods in middle republic, romans imported several deities directly from greece and asia. Minor suddenly these imports came at times of crisis when romans felt they needed extra help. Shelton 408: a book about famous men (anonymous), 22.
