Religion in the Roman Empire (Blackwell Ancient Religions)

This book provides an engaging, systematic introduction to religion in the Roman empire. Covers both mainstream Graeco-Roman religion and regional religious traditions, from Egypt to Western Europe Examines the shared assumptions and underlying dynamics that characterized religious life as a whole Draws on a wide range of primary material, both textual and visual, from literary works, inscriptions and monuments Offers insight into the religious world in which contemporary rabbinic Judaism and Christianity both had their origin The Roman Empire -- Religion And Religions -- The Sources -- Identifying Religion In The Graeco-roman Tradition -- The Nature Of The Divine -- Approaches To The Divine -- Cult -- Myth -- Art -- Philosophy -- Conclusion -- Three Problematic Topics -- Authority -- Belief -- Morality -- Conclusion -- Regional Religious Traditions Of The Empire -- Greece -- Asia Minor -- Syria -- Egypt -- North Africa -- Western Europe -- Eastern Europe -- Italy -- Uniformity And Diversity In The Religious Traditions Of The Empire -- The Presence Of The Gods -- The Gods In The World -- The Power Of The Gods -- Manifestations Of The Gods -- Conclusion -- Religion And Community -- The City -- The Household -- Voluntary Associations -- Conclusion -- Religion And Empire -- Mobility Of Worshippers -- Mobility Of Gods -- Identifying Gods -- Emperors And Gods -- Conclusion -- Religious Options -- Attractions -- Esoteric Wisdom -- Divine Inspiration -- Advantages -- Traditional Benefits -- Intensification -- Salvation -- Conclusion -- Roman Religious Policy -- Atheism And Superstition -- Religious Authority -- Three Particular Cases -- Magic -- Judaean Tradition -- Christianity -- Conclusion -- Epilogue : Religious Change In The Roman Empire. James B. Rives. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [221]-228) And Index. "This book provides a systematic introduction to religion in the Roman Empire. It explores mainstream Graeco-Roman religion, as well as the diverse regional religions within the empire, from the millennia-old traditions of Egypt to the Celtic traditions of Western Europe." "The author describes the distinctive features of religion in the Roman world and examines the shared assumptions and underlying dynamics that characterized religious life as a whole. By drawing on a wide range of primary material, including literary works, inscriptions, and monuments, he allows readers to engage with original sources directly and provides unique insight into the religious world in which contemporary rabbinic Judaism and Christianity both had their origins."--BOOK JACKET Contents Illustrations Maps Text Boxes Acknowledgments Introduction 1 Identifying “Religion” in the Graeco-Roman World 2 Regional Religious Traditions of the Empire 3 The Presence of the Gods 4 Religion and Community 5 Religion and Empire 6 Religious Options 7 Roman Religious Policy Epilogue: Religious Change in the Roman Empire Glossary of Major Deities Glossary of Authors and Texts References Index