One of the most powerful states of the world is strikingly different from the surrounding land of the barbarians.Its culture, mentality, beliefs kept within a single system, which helped to dominate the world.Ancient Rome, the religion which will interest us most in this article contributed to the formation of the modern face of the planet.
it all began
For a start we should mention about the beliefs of tribes that inhabited the earth, and then included in the boundaries of the Eternal City.Like most of their neighbors, they worshiped the spirits, the forces of nature.It then turned into the proud past of the gods, who condescendingly looking down on the earth dwellers.Special keepers houses (hearth), family (Lara) were generic patrons farmers who worshiped the mother earth.
With the development of the main Rome became his cult, his pantheon of those gods who gave life to the city.Mars and his sons Romulus and Remus fed by a wolf - that's who their appearance obliged to Ancient Rome.Religion proclaimed the supremacy of the ruler of Romulus, asserted his right to decide the fate of ordinary citizens, legitimized its exclusive position.
Beautiful antiquity
However, the roots of the belief system of the city of seven hills go beyond the peninsula.After all, according to legend the foundations of the state are laid legendary Aeneas, a Trojan who left his native Ilium after a decade of war.Therefore, the Greek influence is clearly apparent in the culture of Rome.Gods Olympians from sunny Greece became identified with the locals.That is why the religion of ancient Greece and Rome is studied as a whole.
the main place of Rome - on Capitol Hill were not only the most important state institutions.In the sixth century BC, built here a luxurious temple of Jupiter, the supreme god, the mighty thunder.A little later, immediately appears abode of Vesta, the goddess of fire and patron saint of the Roman people.In addition, a premium Dioscuri were patricians, the cult of Libera flourished from the plebeians.Religion Ancient Rome also called to worship the gods, who embodied the virtues of peace (Pax), loyalty (Fidesz), courage (Virtus), agreement (Concordia).
But even belief system has been streamlined.Ancient Rome, the religion which is interesting to study today, the gods divided into three groups: the chthonic or earth, the air and the ground.The souls of ancestors who are respected in life, themselves become gods after death.The villains and sinners become evil entities - lemurs, larvami.
class features of the society were the priests who committed all the official ceremonies in the Roman Empire.They wondered predicted, interpret signs, determine the future, were advisers to the governor on major issues.There was even a Higher colleges of priests, headed by the great Pontiff, who was elected for life.Is it not found its reflection in Christianity?I do not go there any tradition of electing the Pope holy Council of Cardinals?
Ancient Rome, the religion which changed with the expansion of the boundaries, and worshiped the Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris, the Persian Mithras, Cybele Dorian.Well, and then it took a dominant place of Christianity.
