Gods with Thunderbolts

by Guy de la Bédoyère

One of the Roman Empire’s greatest achievements was religious tolerance, and in Britain the Romans found a world in which Fortuna and Fate ruled the minds of men and women. That world left behind a marvellous legacy of literary and archaeological records, including temples and shrines, altars and votive gifts, curse tablets and inscriptions. In addition to adopting the Gods of Rome, Roman Britain had native cults like that of Cocidius from the northern frontier and exotic imports from Persia and Egypt such as the deities Mithras and Isis. Tensions also rose with the legitimisation of Christianity in the 4th century. This comprehensive study attempts to unravel the wide-ranging beliefs and practices of those living in Roman Britain.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Roman Britain, Archaeology, British Literature

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Guy de la Bédoyère is author of a widely admired series of books on Roman history. He appeared regularly on the UK’s Channel 4 archaeology series Time Team and is well known in the United States for his volume The Romans for Dummies. His latest books are Gladius. Living, Fighting, and Dying in the Roman Army (2020), and Pharaohs of the Sun. How Egypt's Despots and Dreamers Drove the Rise and Fall of Tutankhamun's Dynasty (2022). He lives in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK.

Reviews

[Snicketts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pragmatic overview of religion in Roman Britain. No flights of fancy, no high-status, ritual if we have no other explanation descriptions. Intelligent and absorbing and refreshing.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Guy de la Bedoyere provides an accessible yet academic overview of an aspect of Romano-British life. Recommended only to those with some prior knowledge of the province or Roman religion. Docked to four stars on account of the author's habit of decrying modern archaeological suppositions with regards ancient religious practice...and then in the next breath supplying his own, often on no stronger evidence.

[Old-Barbarossa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says on the cover.
Top illustrations, maps, and refs.
Sources mainly archaeological, some textual stuff, but inevitably a load more stuff from Bath and near the walls than anywhere else.
Mainly pre-xtian in focus.