Roman religious rituals appear utterly traditional, yet were in fact subject to constant change and development, to influence from the Greek world, and to control by the state. The module studies religion in Rome and Italy from the regal period to the death of Augustus. Principal topics of study include the main features of religious beliefs and practices as they originated and as they developed during the period when Rome became a major world power, and how Rome reacted to contacts with other religious systems.

• demonstrate a knowledge of the evidence for the main structures and practices of Roman religion.
• demonstrate an ability to use this evidence to understand elements of Roman beliefs.
• demonstrate an appreciation of the religious mentality of the Romans and how this developed in parallel with the growth of Rome’s power and reaction to contact with other systems of cult practice and belief at the time of the Republic and Augustan era.
• demonstrate an awareness of the modern historical debates on this subject.
• discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

10 lectures and 2 seminars; independent study

The lectures present an outline of the literary and material evidence for Roman religion, and provide a framework for the interpretation of that evidence by introducing the major approaches and debates that have shaped research into the subject. They should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent study. Slides and, where appropriate, handouts are used to illustrate the material discussed.

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to analyse and discuss key issues and topics in the module, and to get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars.

Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the primary source material and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for major themes and lecture topics.

• analysis of a variety of different types of historical evidence, such as literary texts and material evidence
• observation and visual analysis
• assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
• critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
• constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
• clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
• employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and material evidence
• bibliographic and referencing skills
• contributing to group discussions
• using IT resources effectively
• independent working and time management

The module will be assessed through an exam consisting of one essay question and one source analysis exercise, weighted 70:30 (100%).

The essay question will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and critical understanding of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to the Roman religion.

In the source analysis exercise, specific written or material sources relating to Roman religion will be set, and students will be required to explain how they provide evidence for our understanding of the practices, beliefs, institutions and contexts of Roman religion.

Type of assessment = EXSP

% Contribution = 100

Title = Roman Religion

Duration = 1.5 hours
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment = Spring semester

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to resit the failed component(s) in the summer resit period.

• the social anthropology of religious belief
• Roman gods
• priests
• shrines and temples
• the calendar and festivals
• religion at the time of the monarchy
• the pre-Roman religions of Italy
• the influence of Greek beliefs and practice
• domestic and rural cults within Italy
• the changing nature of Roman religion in the late Republican period
• the changes to Roman religion under Augustus.

C. Ando (ed.), Roman Religion (2003)
M. Beardand M. Crawford, Rome in the Late Republic (1985), chapter 3
M. Beard, J. North and S. Price, Religions of Rome, vols 1–2 (1998)
K. Dowden, Religion and the Romans (1982)
J. North, Roman Religion (2000)
R.M. Ogilvie, The Romans and their Gods (1969)
J. Rüpke, ‘Roman religion’, in H. Flower (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to the Roman Republic (2004), pp. 179–98

J. Rüpke, A Companion to Roman Religion (2007)

J. Rüpke, Religion of the Romans (2007)

H.H. Scullard, Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic (1981)
J. Scheid, An Introduction to Roman Religion (2003)
R. Turcan, The Gods of Ancient Rome. Religion in Everyday Life from Archaic to Imperial Times (2000)

See the module handout for the full reading list.