107-241 Roman Religion

This subject examines the role of religion in Roman society during the last century of the Republic and the first centuries of the Imperial period (2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE). Students are introduced to the most important Roman deities, cults, rituals, festivals and priesthoods. The subject pays close attention to the role of sacrifice and prophecy, the intersection of religion and politics, the participation of different social classes, genders and ethnicities in religious ritual, and the importance of later developments such as the growth of the Imperial cult and mystery religions. Students who complete this subject should have a detailed understanding of the forms, structure and cultural importance of Roman religion.

• Understand the forms and structure of Roman religion during the period from the second century BCE to the third century CE

• Understand and be able to apply a variety of theoretical approaches to the analysis of ancient religion

• Recognise and be able to explain the relationship between Roman religion and its broader cultural context

• Be able to analyse the importance of religious practices to Roman political practice and the construction and maintenance of Roman gender roles and ethnicity

• Recognise and be able to explain the developments which Roman religion underwent during the period from the second century BCE to the third century CE

A seminar report of 500 words 12.5% (due during semester), essay of 1500 words 37.5% (due during the semester), and a take-home exam of 2000 words 50% (due in the examination period).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester