The first of two volumes discussing archaic Roman religion. From the study of texts, inscriptions, and archaeology of Roman sacred places, this volume traces the formation of archaic Roman religion from Indo-European sources through the development of the rites and beliefs of the Roman republic. The author describes a religion that was not only influenced by other religions, but influenced them as well, in mutual efforts to distinguish one nation from another. Even so, certain continuities were sustained in order to achieve a religion that crossed generations and ways of life. The worship of certain gods became the special concerns of certain parts of society, all of which needed attention to assure Rome's success in war, civil administration, and the production of food and gooods.
Arvustused
"Among the foremost scholarly achievements of our time."--'New Comparative Mythology' "A valuable permanent addition to the lore of myth and the stories of divinities."--'Christian Century'
Foreword xi Mircea Eliade Preface xv Abbreviations xxiii Preliminary Remarks Uncertainty of the History of the First Centuries 3(10) Political History and Religious History 13(5) The Most Ancient Roman Religion: Numen or Deus? 18(14) Characteristics of the Roman Gods 32(15) The Lost Mythology: The Example of the Matralia 47(13) From Mythology to History 60(19) The Indo-European Heritage at Rome 79(4) Conservatism of Roman Religion: The Case of the Iuges auspicium 83(6) The Value of Formulary Evidence 89(8) The Roman Scholars 97(5) The So-Called Pontifical Revolution 102(11) Some Characteristics of Roman Religion 113(5) Balances in Roman Religion 118(11) The Vocabulary of the Sacred 129(5) The Purpose of This Book 134(7) First Part The Great Gods of the Archaic Triad The Archaic Triad: The Documents 141(7) Interpretation: The Three Functions 148(28) Jupiter 176(29) Mars 205(41) Quirinus 246(27) The Archaic Triad: Complements 273(10) Second Part Ancient Theology The Capitoline Triad 283(28) Capitoline Jupiter 283(8) Juno 291(12) Minerva 303(3) The Capitoline Triad 306(5) The Fires of Public Worship 311(16) Frameworks 327(29) The Beginnings 327(6) The Times 333(7) The Places 340(16) Man 356(14) The Living 356(7) The Dead 363(7) Forces and Elements 370(20) Third Function 370(20) Second and First Functions 390
Georges Dumezil, author of more than thirty books and hundreds of research articles, many of which are widely translated, was one the most productive and provocative scholars of modern comparative religion for more than half a century. Among his other works are 'Destiny of a King', 'Destiny of the Warrior', 'Gods of the Ancient Northmen', and 'Plight of a Sorcerer
