The Pagan World: Ancient Religions before Christianity Season 1 Episode 13 Ancient Roman Ancestor Worship

The Pagan World: Ancient Religions before Christianity Season 1 Episode 13, "Ancient Roman Ancestor Worship," explores the unique and complex religious practices of ancient Rome. The episode delves into the central role that ancestor worship played in Roman religion, and how it influenced many other aspects of Roman life.

Viewers will learn about the Roman concept of the familia, a unit that included not only the living members of a household, but also their deceased ancestors. The familia was believed to be protected by these ancestors, who were venerated through offerings and prayers. The episode also discusses the role of the lararium, an altar dedicated to the spirits of the family's ancestors.

The episode examines the ways in which ancestor worship influenced other aspects of Roman culture. For example, it was believed that just as ancestors protected the living members of the familia, the emperor protected the entire Roman people. This idea paved the way for the development of the cult of emperor worship.

The influence of ancestor worship can also be seen in Roman funerary practices. The episode explores the variety of ceremonies and rituals associated with death and burial, including the importance of the manes, the spirits of the deceased who could bring both blessings and curses upon the living.

Finally, viewers will gain insight into the role of divination in ancient Roman religion. The episode explains the various forms of divination used in ancient Rome, such as interpreting the flight patterns of birds or the entrails of animals. It also demonstrates the importance of faith in these practices, as individuals sought guidance and insight from the gods through divination.

"Ancient Roman Ancestor Worship" is a captivating exploration of the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Rome. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of how these beliefs shaped all aspects of Roman culture, and how they continue to influence modern society.