The Religion of the Romans [Hardcover]

The gods were the true heroes of Rome. In this major new contribution to our understanding of ancient history, Jörg Rüpke guides the reader through the fascinating world of Roman religion, describing its unique characteristics and bringing its peculiarities into stark relief.

Rüpke gives a thorough and engaging account of the multiplicity of cults worshipped by peasant and aristocrat alike, the many varied rites and rituals daily observed, and the sacrifices and offerings regularly brought to these immortals by the population of Ancient Rome and its imperial colonies.

This important study provides the perfect introduction to Roman religion for students of Ancient Rome and Classical Civilization.

Foreword to the English edition.

List of illustrations.

Abbreviations.

Prolegomena.

1. Religion in the Ancient World.

2. From the She-Wolf to Caesar: historical foundations.

3. Gods and Men.

4. Religious Action.

5. Thinking about Religion.

Part II: Religion in Action.

6. Social Rules: sacrifice and feasting.

7. Managing Lines of Communication: vows and curses.

8. Control of Space: communication and boundaries.

9. Co-ordination: time and the calendar.

Part III: Social Reality.

10. Religion in the Metropolis.

11. Specialists and Professionals.

12. From Caesar to the Lamb of God: historical perspectives.

Bibliography.

Bibliographical note.

Secondary literature cited.

Indexes.

General.

Gods and cults.

Names oflã'