Roman Religion / Edition 1

by J. A. North

Overview

The last forty years have brought about a transformation in the understanding of pagan Roman religion, rescuing it from the margins of the discipline and restoring its rituals and rhythms to their place at the centre of Roman life and literature. This book provides an up-to-date account of the religious history of Rome starting from its mythical origins, describing its character and development through the later Republican centuries and assessing the response of pagans to the coming of new religious forms during the centuries of Roman imperial rule. It places great emphasis on the fundamental difference between modern ideas of what a religion ought to be and the realities of ancient life. The book is designed to be accessible to all those approaching the subject for the first time, whether their interest is in the classical world or in comparing its religious forms with those of other times and places.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199224333
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/01/2000
Series:	New Surveys in the Classics , #30
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	108
Sales rank:	967,228
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.35(d)

About the Author

J.A. North has taught Roman History at UCL since the 1960s; his research has played an important part in the reassessment of Roman religion throughout the period.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The Stories of Early Rome; 2. The Early Character of Roman Religion; 3. The Religion of Republic and Empire; 4. Gods, Goddesses, and their Temples; 5. Rituals; 6. Innovation and its Accommodation; 7. New Forms; 8. Reading Pagan Texts; Bibliography; About the Author; Index.