Octavian, who is otherwise remembered as Caesar Augustus, is the first emperor in charge of the Roman Empire. In 43 BC, after the death of Julius Caesar, Octavian inherited the late Caesar’s wealth and political acclaim (Tan, 2015). All this happened when Octavian was just nineteen years old as he accepted all that was written in the will. During his time as the ruler over Roman Empire, he established himself as both a dictator and consul. He took advantage of his stature in society and implemented reforms such as senate expansion, calendar revision, debt relief, and building of Forum Ilium.
One of his most popular portraits is the Augustus of Primaporta, which was established from 20 BCE. Initially, when someone glances at it, they notice Octavian as a general and orator. The statue speaks much concerning both his ideology and prominence. He is portrayed as a great army man plus a committed follower of his religion (Tan, 2015). The portrait also forecasts his initiation of the Pax Romana, which meant two hundred years of peace. He is remembered as one of Rome’s most prosperous rulers as he led the Empire into much development. During his time as the ruler, Romans enjoyed peace and success in every aspect of their lives.
The Colosseum, whose construction started and ended in 72 A.D. and 79 A.D., served as a church and then a fortress by the Annibaldi and Frangipane, two powerful Roman families. The functions of the Colosseum changed after some time to serve as grazing land and as a theatre for Passion plays when the church overtook it. The Colosseum was a symbol of victory for Christians over pagans, and the reason behind it preserving it is because of the martyrs who died in it (Tan, 2015). It is one of Rome’s most outstanding tourist sites since it welcomes around seven million tourists every year. Like many other structures or tribes, the Colosseum also served as a home for many Romans. It is approximated to hold around fifty thousand to eighty thousand spectators at different historical points with an average audience of sixty-five thousand. It was also utilized for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, which included executions and animal hunts.
Unlike amphitheaters of the past which were dug into suitable hillsides for additional support, this structure is freestanding and comprises of stone as well as concrete. The constructors used a complex system of groin and barrel vaults on it. It measures six hundred and twenty by five hundred and thirteen feet overall. Arcades enclose three stories about the arena on the outside framed by pillars in the Corinthian, Ionic, and Doric orders. The mounting design of the pillars turned into the assemblage of orders. The primary organizational scheme and frontage are travertine, while volcanic tufa forms the secondary walls while concrete is responsible for the inner bowl and the arcade vaults.
Roman mystery religions were various secret cults that offered religious experiences to individuals who wanted different things from what was available in the official public religions. These private religions became even more popular in the first three centuries of the A.D. Although, they grew root in the early centuries of Greek history (Wiens, 2016). The mystery religions had their distinctive characteristics, they grouped themselves and influenced the Christian Religion in various ways.
These cults had leaders referred to as Mystagogos. The leaders had certain classes in the hierarchy. There was Hierophantēs, whose role was to reveal Holy sight, and there were douches who was the torchbearer. These cults offered more personal, characteristic attitudes towards death and the general afterlife that met the acceptance of its members. These mystery religions prayed and believed in a deity that would favour their wishes and lives in general. To be accepted in these mysterious religions, one had to pay initiation fees and contribute while being an active member. These cults helped their members as they socialized, people from different professions built their network (Tan, 2015). This aspect led to robust growth in the social bond and economic prosperity. Another characteristic is that they shared common experiences that helped them bond as one. These activities included dances, ceremonies, shared meals, and initiation rites.
In the cult of Isis, they worshipped her as a goddess. This belief originated from Egypt then spread to Greece and Rome in 300BC. Isis had temples, devoted priests, and dedicated followers. The goddess initially was believed to influence agriculture and fertility, but as the cult spread to new civilizations, her roles changed. The initiates wore linen attires, shaved their heads, and played Egyptian instruments reenacting Isis trying to resurrect her husband.
Some of the Greco-Roman mystery religions include the Cult of Sabazios. This cult is rooted in the Thracians and Phrygians of Eastern Europe. Sabazios was portrayed as a nomadic horseman battling a snake. Any initiate willing to join this cult is believed to have fought as serpent as initiation. Also, the Eleusinian Mysteries were the most popular and lasted the longest out of the other cults. The members worshipped Demeter, who was believed to have blessed the humans with agriculture, supporting civilian existence. Although, Hades is believed to have kidnapped Demeter’s daughter Persephone. So in the search for her lost daughter, she came to Greece and connected to the underworld. If there was a failure in the crop yields, the people believed she had gone to the underworld, and when she came back, there would be plenty. The members would perform rites while under the influence of hallucinogens. However, this cult was abolished by Emperor Theodosius. Another mystery religion is that of Mithras, which is also well known. The Roman army worshipped Mithras as the protector of the empire.
The Mystery Religions influenced Christianity in various ways. It is believed that the resurrection of Jesus was borrowed from the Pagan Mystery rituals. Christian art has borrowed from the mystery religions. For example, the representation of Mary carrying her son is similar to Isis suckling her son. Also, the statue of the shepherd herding his ship. The birth of Jesus on December 25 is close to the celebration of the Sun god. Easter was put near pagan festivals as a rival strategy.
In conclusion, Roman Mystery religions were valid and followed by many people from different backgrounds. Both Christianity and the Mystery religions grew from their localities to dominate international borders at some point in history. This growth was majorly influenced by the Roman Empire conquering the Mediterranean region and enforcing their social standards. Precise records are unavailable since they were secret, therefore, poor documentation.
References
Tan, J. (2015). The Roman Republic.Fiscal Regimes and the Political Economy of Premodern States, 208–228.
Wiens, Devon H.. “Mystery Concepts in Primitive Christianity and in its Environment”. Band 23/2. Halbband Religion (Vorkonstantinisches Christentum: Verhältnis zu römischem Staat und heidnischer Religion, Fortsetzung), edited by Hildegard Temporini and Wolfgang Haase, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, 2016, pp. 1248-1284.