From a small Latin settlement on the Tiber River, Rome grew to become a great civilization whose genius and strength dominated most of the known world. Although the construction and success of this mighty Empire lay largely in the strict army and clever political tactics. Rome would not be remembered as it is today without the flexibility and influence of Religion. Good morning Mr Goodwin and fellow students. Religion drove, guided and dominated the whole existence of Rome from the routine of daily life right through to the planning of the year.
The words Rome and Religion are inseparable, because for close to two thousand years Rome has provided an admirable balance of practical attitude and faith towards religion, which is unmatchable by that of any other ancient society. Roman religion prior to earlier understandings was of its own and was not based on any one central belief. The ancestry of their religion came from mixture of fragmented rituals, taboos, superstitions and traditions from many sources. Allowing religion to be so prominent was it's acceptance to a variety of religious practices and in most cases incorporating them into its own. Some of these roots can be traced back to the Gods and Goddesses from Etruscan and Latin tribes and of course the Greek colonies of Southern Italy. This was also extremely beneficial to this religions popularity as several people had migrated from these parts therefore further adding to its influential capability.
State Religion was the official name for Rome's original religion. Under which the people of Rome worship gods and goddesses. Many magnificent temples and rituals existed in honor of this family of gods in State religion, where people could make sacrifice, pray and worship the greater gods. Much like these powerful, highly placed gods, there were the smaller gods of the home. The gods worshipped in the home were known as domestic deities and controlled things like family happiness and health.
