An Introduction to Roman Religion

by John Scheid

This is an introduction to religion in Rome during the late republic and early empire. Written by a leading scholar, it draws on pertinent findings in archaeology and history to explain the meanings of rituals, rites, auspices and oracles, to describe the uses of temples and sacred ground, and to evoke the daily patterns of religious life and observance within the city of Rome and its environs. The book is divided into five parts. In the first the author considers the contemporary meaning of religious terms and concepts and the role religion played in the Roman sense of identity and destiny. The second describes the religious calendar, diurnal patterns of worship and observance, and the structure of religious space in temples, sanctuaries and sacred places. The third looks at the form of religious services including the rites and purposes of sacrifices, and examines when auspices were sought and how they were read. Part four describes the priests and priestesses - who they were, how they were trained and for what functions - and the gods and demi-gods of the Roman pantheon. Part five considers Roman ideology and exegesis. Professor Scheid writes primarily for university students of ancient Rome and classical information and ideas are laid out clearly and concisely; the text is illustrated with quotations from primary sources; a chronology links religious to historical events from 750 BC to AD 494; there is a full glossary and an annotated guide to further reading. The text contains numerous summaries and suggestions for discussion.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, Mythology, Ancient History, Classical Studies, Paganism

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1985

Reviews

[Erin Schott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book accomplishes its job. It taught me a lot about Roman Religion and redefined how I consider deities. All religious acts were public and all public acts were religious. Our modern day projections of what Roman religion was onto this polytheistic faith are largely misleading. If you want to read more about Roman religion, Scheid knows his stuff. This isn't the best book you'll ever read, and I didn't expect it to be.

[Saga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book!

[Toviel · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Schied's INTRODUCTION TO ROMAN RELIGION is a fantastic short beginner's guide to the complicated beliefs and practices of the Roman Republic and Roman Empire. Scheid concentrates on the civic aspects of the religion and how the culture's dependence on rites and omens shaped the society around it. The book takes the reader through the many and often intricate steps that had to be taken in order to honor the gods, and how participation in said activities established a Roman's place in society. The book mainly focuses on practices within Rome itself stretching between the second century B.C. to the rise of Christianity, and pulls from both ancient and modern sources to paint a complete picture for the reader.

What keeps AN INTRODUCTION from being a perfect read is that Scheid's interpretation of Ancient Rome feels extremely atheistic. While he dabbles in the philosophical attitudes expressed by prominent Romans at the end of the book, he never quite establishes what the Romans as a whole believed about their own beliefs. While it's repeatedly stated that was no dogma dictating specific interpretations of the gods, it doesn't excuse the lack of a general summary of the major figures of the Roman Pantheon. An unfamiliar reader may feel lost in consequence.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't really critique Scheid's scholarship, I'm not familiar with the sources he cites, nor am I conversant with the various theories of religious history which he's attempting to refute.

But . . . I think he pretty much proved to me that Christian and Roman religious practice were antithetical, and all the saint-worship of the early Catholic church was an awkward adaptation of the Roman custom of worshiping the deity of your choice. I probably should have known that already.

[Karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

General overview of what is known about the practices of ancient Roman religion. This is a decent outline of the many religious offices and types of rituals that were performed, though their variety and the number of names can be confusing. Since Roman religion had no theology, holy book, or creed, there is little here about beliefs. Mythology is also not an important part of the story, as the myths were partly literary and partly efforts explain the world; there was no dogma or canon. Correct religious behavior was performing the correct rituals and taking part in the public cults (religion and state being intertwined). Private devotion to ancestors, household deities, or other gods was even more varied and Scheid discusses what is known about those activities.

[Anastasiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

gosh. i read this one for a class i am taking and it was a bit much for me. i am a newb when it comes to mythology of any kind and this book was kind of a beginner's guide to understanding all of the aspects and basics of how mythology works. i did learn a lot from it, but honestly more from the questions and slides of the professor... stuff like this is hard for me to grasp.

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely focused on Rome itself and sometimes assuming historical knowledge about the period, this is nevertheless a helpful introduction especially in its emphasis on the importance of ritual practice and the role of magistrates/political figures in religious interpretation.

[Mairi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and easy to understand.

[Judith (Judy The Dreamer) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had to study so many chapters from this book that I might as well say that I've read it. :/

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title suggests this is an introduction. Scheid takes pains to consider controversial historiographic matters at the outset, which allows the subsequent narration to flow smoothly. He sees Roman religion as a civic religion, where ritual was important and belief flexible. The contrast with monotheistic religions could not be greater. I got to this book from an interest in the transition from Roman religion to Christianity. This book was very helpful in allowing me to appreciate that process.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Introduction to Roman Religion by John Scheid is a recommended read for anyone interested in Roman polytheism (Religio Romana, Cultus Deorum Romanorum). There is a good reason for this too. While this book may seem a little dry and too academic for some, it is full of so much useful information that it is worth reading and keeping as a reference.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughtful, probably good for sixth-formers.

[Alaric Longward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman religion and what it was like. Was it based on deep beliefs or altruistic rituals? This is a great place to start to find out.