Author Description

Religion played a significant part in almost every aspect of Roman life, influencing its view of its past, its government and its public gatherings. This book examines the ways in which Christianity was able to fill the role that pagan cults and rituals had played in everyday private and public life. Sections discuss the beliefs of slaves and citizens, the identification of the emperor as a god, the role of religion in triumphs and gladiatorial spectacles, and the relationship between magic and Christianity. Finally Hasenfratz examines the shifting identities of Greek and eastern gods. German text.