Religion, Belief and "Atheism" in Ancient Rome

Did the Romans believe in their Gods? This question is commonly asked but it reveals more about our modern interpretation of religion than it does about the Roman religious framework.

This history documentary explains why modern notions of belief are not directly applicable to ancient Rome, where religion, belief and cultic practice were so thoroughly intertwined with all aspects of society that it was impossible to find any aspect of life that did not touch upon the sacred.

Using Cicero's On the Nature of the Gods as our guide, we examine the theology and philosophy of ancient Rome including Epicureanism, Stoicism as well as the conflicts between pagans and the emerging Christian church that led to persecution.


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Related Content:
Gods, Ritual & Power: Unveiling Roman Religion -    • Gods, Ritual & Power: Unveiling Roman...  
The Religion of Politics -    • Caesar: The Religion of Politics  
Saturnalia: The World Turned Upside Down -    • Saturnalia: The World Turned Upside Down  
Cicero and Clodius: Best of Enemies -    • Cicero and Clodius: Best of Enemies  

Other Videos on Roman Politics:
   • Roman Politics  

Ancient Sources:
On the Nature of the Gods - Cicero
On Divination - Cicero
Fasti - Ovid

Modern Sources:
Cicero on the Philosophy of Religion - J.P.F. Wynne
Temples, Religion and Politics - Eric M. Orlin
Belief and Cult: Rethinking Roman Religion - Jacob L. Mackey
Religions of Rome vol. 1- Mary Beard
The Man in the Roman Street - Harold Mattingly

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