Roman Religion and the concept of pietas

A detailed Summary of Roman Religion and the concept of pietas

Roman religion in ancient times played a large part in every day life. Gods were greatly honoured and many decisions would rely on them. One of the most important aspects of religion was the personification of piety and devotion to duty - pietas. These Roman values differ from the Greek in many ways and Vergil, as a Roman writer, effectively expresses these in the epic, The Aeneid. Vergil's epic includes various references to gods, religious practices, and other religious observations. From this information it is possible to obtain a deeper understanding of the Roman views on religion and the concept of doing one's duty to the gods, the state and one's family.

Religion was an essential part of Roman society and was one of the main foundations on which the organisation of a Roman family was built. The main purpose of Roman religion was to gain the approval of the deities and to remain noble to ensure individual and family success and prosperity. Ethical and moral behaviour was not a factor of concern, only the correct observance

As does Aeneas carry his father, hearthgods and penates out of the burning city.

Another example is when Panthus, priest of Apollo, tries to save the city of Troy's gods .

Pietas as it applied to the Roman family included the principle of obedience and duty to one's elders and one's family. The most authoritative member in the Roman family was the paterfamilias or senior family elder. His authority was regarded so highly that it could be taken to the extent of killing of disobedient children. While the paterfamilias was alive, none of his sons could fully make important decisions concerning his wife, family, or career without the approval of the paterfamilias.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Aeneid Vergil's, Aeneid Priam, , Panthus Othryades, II L550-553, L318-320 Aeneas, Vergil Roman, roman family, book ii, Book II, vergil aeneid book, Aeneid Book, vergil aeneid, pietas roman, one's family, penates gods, roman religion, Vergil Aeneid, aeneid book, aeneid book ii,

Approximate Word count = 699
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion

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