Religion in the Roman Empire (Life in the Roman Empire)

Religion in the Roman Empire goes beyond gods and goddesses to provide a detailed look at the belief system of ancient Rome. As the empire expanded, diverse cultures joined together, bringing new traditions, sacred places, and holidays. This book examines current scholarship about the role religion played in the lives of everyday Romans as well as that of spiritual figures like priests and priestesses. Religion in the Roman Empire goes beyond gods and goddesses to provide a detailed look at the belief system of ancient Rome. As the empire expanded, diverse cultures joined together, bringing new traditions, sacred places, and holidays. The book examines current scholarship about the role religion played in the lives of everyday Romans as well as that of spiritual figures like priests and priestesses. Bibliography, Biographies, Black-and-White Photographs, Full-Color Photographs, Further Information Section, Glossary, Index, Primary Sources, Timelines, Websites Discusses religion in the Roman Empire, describing its major gods and goddesses, the rites of prayer and sacrifice, the importance of temples, the roles of priests and priestesses, and the place of private and public religious celebrations.