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

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A Roman owed a debt of pietas to the gods and their family. His authority was regarded so highly that it could be taken to the extent of killing of disobedient children. 318-320)

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

Family relationships as well as religious observances were governed by the principle of pietas. These gods were emphasised in Vergil's Book II of Aeneid when Priam, the head of the family were killed in front of his son and the household gods of whom he was in charge of. The Romans however, only worshipped those gods and spirits most closely associated with their own lives. Food and drink were also sacrificed, as well as animals. Prayers and offerings at temples would take place to give thanks for their support. Nearly every activity was reliant on the deities, some being gods and others defined spirits and the gods were consulted before any major decision was made with no actions taken unless the omens were right.

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. Offerings would range from coins and brooches from the poor, to silver statues from the wealthy.

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

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