The Role of Religion in the Roman Family

The foundation of Roman religion is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Roman society itself, drawing on influences from indigenous Italic traditions, Etruscan rites, and Greek religious practices. Unlike modern monotheistic religions, Roman religion was polytheistic and closely bound to the day-to-day life of the people. It wasn't just a matter of belief, but a social and political necessity, a framework for understanding and maintaining the relationship between the divine and the human world.
The Romans believed that the favor of the gods was essential for the success of the state, the prosperity of families, and the well-being of individuals. As the scholar Mary Beard points out, Roman religion was a form of social cohesion, helping to establish authority and unity within the growing empire.