HIST 1001 Chapter : Hist Oct 16 E2
Document Summary
Syncretism (accepted religions of their conquered territories and added them to keep all gods on their sides) Widespread through empire despite some skepticism among roman officials. Romans thought religion should be with state or family, so they thought they were doing immoral things or plan to overthrow government. Also plan to throw out isis, feared secrecy. Osiris does not get paired with her in rome, she gets a different counterpart. One creator god (ahuramaazda), but a god who leads chaos (ahriman), dualistic religion. Clear that forces of good (ahuramazda) will win, choose who to follow, and life after death will follow their choice in life. Mithras is a general in the forces of good, becomes devotion of members of roman military, exclusively male at this point. Sol invictis- appealed to military, another name for him, means unconquered son, bull is sacred animal. Initiation by immersion in blood of bull, cleansing and purification.
