Comparing Religion In Pompeii And Herculaneum

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Religion in Pompeii and Herculaneum
The provided quote is correct to a certain extent. This quote can be divided into two halves that each hold a different amount depending on which type of religion they are linked to. These religions are household, state, local and foreign religion. The first half of the quote states that the two cities provide a huge amount of sources. This is true for household religion as there are many sources that can be found at both which show examples of household worship. The second half of the quote is partially correct as this only applies to household religion. Although, there are only a few issues regarding state, foreign and local religion in relation to their limitations, reliability and their levels of usefulness. …show more content…

All the citizens were expected to be involved in religious rituals as these were believed to be necessary in order to win the favour of the gods. The nature in being a part of worshipping these great gods of the Roman Empire is to ensure world peace, the fertility of humans, animals and crops which would prosper. Reasons as to why the Romans would worship the gods on a daily basis is to ensure that the gods would give them peace, and this was only achieved through prayer, sacrifices and special rituals. The Roman state cult is an example of State religion found in both Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Roman state cult centred on the worship of three different well known Roman gods. Jupiter, the overall protector of the state, Juno, whose special care was only for the women of Rome, and Minerva, the patroness of craftworks. The temple of Jupiter stood in the northern end of the forum on a high platform. Located inside the temple stood a statue of the great god, of now there are only fragments that survive. Just like any Roman city, Pompeii and would have possibly had a temple of these three gods. Although, the same can’t be said for Herculaneum as most of the city has not yet been revealed to us. Though, it is possible that the city must have had these temples for these Capitoline gods where citizens would go to worship and offer …show more content…

The cities were also vulnerable of influences from Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean. Foreign religions had a special attraction all their own. These mysterious cults promised what Roman religion did not. A closer relationship with the gods and a happy afterlife for those who have already passed on. Women especially found them very redemptive and attractive. Most of these religions were similar to Roman religion, the mystery cults were usually involved by chanting and dancing. These religious gatherings were to make the initiates of the religion undergo a spiritual rebirth through contact with god. The myth behind these religions is that the gods would reward them with resurrection after death if they were to follow and worship accordingly. One of these foreign cults that were brought to Pompeii and Herculaneum was ‘The Cult of Isis’ . The Temple of Isis was founded in in Pompeii before the Romans founded the colony in 80BC. The cult of Isis is an Egyptian goddess which was brought to Pompeii and Herculaneum by Italian merchants. Countless of people were drawn to this cult due to the goddess Isis being known for her powerful magic. There are many indications that this particular cult was popular in Pompeii. Many different people joined the cult such as children, slaves, freemen, traders, soldiers, high and low officials, and women were also drawn to the

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