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Religion
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There were many Roman gods. Each watched over a different activity of daily life. The Romans were afraid of their gods. The gods could easily be made angry and if that happened, all sorts of disasters might follow. Regular sacrifices had to be made to keep the gods happy. No important decision, like declaring war, would be made unless the Romans were sure that the gods would approve.
The Romans believed in life after death. They thought that a dead person's spirit was ferried across an underground river called the Styx, to Hades - the land of the dead. Here the spirits were judged. The good went to heaven, the bad to hell. At funerals a coin was placed under the dead person's tongue. This was to pay the ferry fare to Hades.
(A) ALTAR
Altars were set up outside temples. The priest placed the offerings mixed with incense and holy oil on the altar. These were all burned so that the smoke could take the offerings to the god.
(B) MUSIC
Solemn music was performed before the sacrifice. At the kill the priest called for silence.
(C) PRIEST
The priest had to make sure that the sacrifice was performed correctly. Any mistake would mean that the sacrifice would not be accepted by the god.
(D) SACRED KNIFE
The animals were first knocked to the ground with an axe. Then their throats were cut with a sacred knife.
(E) ANIMALS
A pig, sheep, and bull were sacrificed at important ceremonies.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Romans
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Section:
The Romans
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Chapter:
Religion
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