010061 VO Introduction to Roman Religion (2017S)

The course provides a concise introduction to Roman Religion. In the first part (lectures no. 1-6) its characteristic features (gods, priests, etc.) and structures (places of worship, rituals, calendar, etc.) will be discussed. After this synchronous exposition, the lectures will continue with a diachronic analysis of the development of Roman Religion, which is seen as a dynamic and changing system reacting to various impulses in its constantly changing environment (lectures no. 7-10). The lectures will also emphasize the major differences of the Roman religious system and its practical aims when compared to the religiosity of modern Europe, which was influenced and formed by differently oriented Christian traditions. The target group is primarily students of the Study of Religions, but students from other subjects of study (e.g. Classical Studies, Classical Archaeology, History, etc.) are also invited to participate.
At the end of the course students will:
- acquire a broader and more solid understanding of key aspects of Roman Religion
- be familiar with the history of the study of Roman religion during the 20th century and the major trends at the beginning of the 21st century
- critically interpret our most important literary sources and archeological discoveries concerning Roman Religion
- show appreciation of the most profound differences that Roman Religion had when compared with contemporary monotheistic religious traditions

Syllabus
1. Roman Religion - A General Introduction
2. Gods: Roman Pantheon and Its Structure
3. Human Actors: Roman Priestly collegia and Other Religious Specialists
4. Places: Roman Temples and Other Places of Worship
5. Time: Roman Calendar and Festivals
6. Cult: Roman Sacrifices and Other Rituals
7. How Roman Religion Worked I: Divination and Expiation of Prodigies
8. How Roman Religion Worked II: Imperial Cult and Divine Honors for Humans
9. How Roman Religion Worked III: Religious Alternatives: Ancient Mystery Cults, Magic and Binding Spells
10. Roman Religion - Concluding Remarks

Teaching methods
Lectures (90 minutes each) and discussion