Latin Culture Stage 32 hhh
Describe 5 examples of feriae celebrated in Rome
(festivals) 1. Dances of the Salii (changing seasons) (feb) 2. Parentalia (dead family members) (march) 3. Matronalia (husbands gave gifts to wives) (March) 4. Vestalia (Wheat is turned to bread is celebrated) (June) 5. Saturnalia (Saturn was celebrated with a carnival) (Dec)
Describe the initiation into Mithraism and the Mithraea in which this took place
- 7 grades of initiation, involved various tests in the Mithraea that looked like caves built partially underground - Baptism between the steps of initiation - Sometimes put in chains - All had to do with purifying - Blindfolded when arrived, needed to kneel
Who was Mithras? What were his powers? Why did the worship of Mithras appeal to many soldiers?
- Ancient spirit of light (Sol invictus Mithras) - God of truth and justice + against evil - Exalted the ideas of loyalty and fraternity (soldiers liked)
How did the attitude of the Roman authorities towards Jews in Rome vary?
- Augustus and other emperors were more tolerant towards Jews and Christians - Tiberius and Claudius had expelled them from the city for attempting to convert others to Judaism
Give 2 examples of Roman authorities resisting the worship of gods from outside Italy
- Augustus banned the worship of Isis - Worship of Bacchus or Liber was banned
What was the temple on the Capitoline? What 3 Gods was it dedicated to and what other god was honored?
- Temple of Jupiter Maximus -Jupiter, Juno, Minerva - Terminus
Why was it to be expected that some Stoics might get into trouble with the emperor?
- They liked a republic, disapproved of one man rule. - They didn't think political power should be passed on by inheritance - They challenged the Emperor and tried to kill him
Why did St. Paul come to Rome? What evidence does he give of Christians in Rome at that time?
- came to appeal to the emperor bc Christians were expelled - In one of his letters from Rome he passed on greetings from Christians living in the city
Who was Epictetus? Summarize 2 points about his teaching given in the passage?
- most important stoic philosopher in Rome (a greek and former slave) 1. We don't know if things are bad until we know others opinions 2. Live your part naturally
Where have Mithraea been found?
- several in Rome - in cities - in ports in the Mediterranean - along the frontier provinces of the Rhine and Danube - Hadrian's wall in England
What use did Nero make the Christians?
- used them as the scapegoat for the fire in Rome in AD 64 and ordered them to be killed
What 2 things would define one of the "mystery religions"
1. Hope of life after death 2. Required initiation ceremonies known only to believers
List 5 ways temples might be used in Rome
1. site of civic religion 2. meeting places for the Senate 3. offices for important magistrates 4. place for exhibiting significant treaties and works of art 5. ceremonies/festivals to honor gods
When was Christianity finally tolerated in Rome?
313 AD
Describe Stoicism as shown in Euphrosyne's lecture at Haterius' party
A man's aim in life should be virtue/right behavior, rather than pleasure
What assumptions have been made about the kind of worshipers in these buildings?
Appealed to officers in the army and wealthy businessmen
Why could Christians sometimes be suspected of wrongdoing?
From lower class, and were a foreign religion who did things not really in the open
What happened to Christians in the time of Claudius? Why did this happen?
Jews and Christians were confused (both came from Judea and believed in one god) Claudius expelled them from Rome, classing them as Jews
How typical of Roman behavior towards Christians were Nero's acts?
Other emperors did not follow his example, they left Christians alone
What 2 pieces of evidence show that Isis was revered in Pompeii and Rome at the time of our stories?
it was repaired and enlarged after an earthquake
