Religions of Rome

Beard, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521456460 ISBN 13: 9780521456463

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1998

Volume two reveals the extraordinary diversity of ancient Roman religion. A comprehensive sourcebook, it presents a wide range of documents illustrating religious life in the Roman world - from the foundations of the city in the eighth century BC to the Christian capital more than a thousand years later. Each document is given a full introduction, explanatory notes and bibliography, and acts as a starting point for further discussion. Through paintings, sculptures, coins and inscriptions, as well as literary texts in translation, the book explores the major themes and problems of Roman religion, such as sacrifice, the religious calendar, divination, ritual, and priesthood. Starting from the archaeological traces of the earliest cults of the city, it finishes with a series of texts in which Roman authors themselves reflect on the nature of their own religion, its history, even its funny side. Judaism and Christianity are given full coverage, as important elements in the religious world of the Roman empire.

Review:

'This is an excellent book that answers any reader's questions on the religious life of the Romans.' The Australian National Review

' ... the best one-volume study in publication ... a well written book that should have a place of the shelf of every student of early European history, and on that of every theologian as well'. Theology

'These books are the result of years of patient scholarship and intellectual questioning. No other volume has covered such a time span so effectively and made such clear use of maps, illustrations and archaelogical evidence.' Robin Lane-Fox, British Museum Magazine

Book Description:

Religions of Rome offers the first full account of the history of the official cults of Rome from the 5th and 4th centuries BC to the 4th century AD. Volume 2, A Sourcebook, presents a wide range of documents, including visual examples and texts: translation, on a range of themes including deities, the calendar, festivals and ceremonies, sacrifices, and religious groups. Each document is accompanied by an introduction, explanatory notes and a bibliography.