Religious Practices
The Romans were polytheistic and their gods were the centre of all life. Everything that happened was the doings of their gods, and everything they did was dedicated to them. The Roman gods were often adopted by the Romans from other cultures most of which originated in Greece. For example the Roman god Jupiter and the Greek god Zeus are both kings of the gods and control the forces of thunder and lightning.
Many rituals and practices were made to fulfil a gods wishes and please them. If this worship was not conducted the Roman people believed it would result in dire consequences depending on the god. If they did worship the god and they were pleased then the people would be rewarded. For example if soldier's prayers and sacrifice were dedicated to Mars (the god of war) wishing for a victory in battle, if they won it was through the power of the god. However if they lost then It would be the Soldier's wrongdoing.
As Roman Mythology expanded priests were required to conduct the rituals, as well as other religious bodies such as the vestal virgins. The Vestal Virgins were a small group of women who lived a life of chastity (breaking of this rule resulted in being buried alive) and whose task it was to keep the fire of Rome aflame at all times. These women were honoured publicly and given seats of importance.
Roman religion was also done at home and was overseen by the leader of the household, usually the eldest male. Most religious practices at home were made at the fire place. It was the women's job to keep the fire alight as this was where offerings and prayers were made throughout the day.
The last aspect of Roman religion was its religious festivals and celebrations. As the Roman public had no days of during the week the Festival holidays were a good chance to rest, and there was about one hundred of these festivals throughout the year all devoted to a different God or event. There were festivals for every major god as well as special celebrations such as the mid-winter solstice.
Many rituals and practices were made to fulfil a gods wishes and please them. If this worship was not conducted the Roman people believed it would result in dire consequences depending on the god. If they did worship the god and they were pleased then the people would be rewarded. For example if soldier's prayers and sacrifice were dedicated to Mars (the god of war) wishing for a victory in battle, if they won it was through the power of the god. However if they lost then It would be the Soldier's wrongdoing.
As Roman Mythology expanded priests were required to conduct the rituals, as well as other religious bodies such as the vestal virgins. The Vestal Virgins were a small group of women who lived a life of chastity (breaking of this rule resulted in being buried alive) and whose task it was to keep the fire of Rome aflame at all times. These women were honoured publicly and given seats of importance.
Roman religion was also done at home and was overseen by the leader of the household, usually the eldest male. Most religious practices at home were made at the fire place. It was the women's job to keep the fire alight as this was where offerings and prayers were made throughout the day.
The last aspect of Roman religion was its religious festivals and celebrations. As the Roman public had no days of during the week the Festival holidays were a good chance to rest, and there was about one hundred of these festivals throughout the year all devoted to a different God or event. There were festivals for every major god as well as special celebrations such as the mid-winter solstice.