Why did the Romans worship so many different Gods?

Answer 1

The Romans incorporated many of the Gods and Goddesses of the people they conquered. It was an ingenious way to control the masses.

Answer 2

The people of ancient Rome had many gods and goddesses. The Romans believed that if they appeased their gods and goddesses, the divinities would help them by blessing the crops to make them fertile or by watching over the family to keep them safe. The Romans also believed that when they angered or disobeyed the gods they would be punished severely. Their religion was not like Christianity where one loves and trusts God. The Roman religion was municipal not personal. According to McClees (3) The religion of the Romans was composed of many elements, and showed a large variety of cults and observances. Religious tenants were not defined, and no priestly hierarchy attempted to interfere with the peoples' beliefs or actions. A Roman did not have to worship gods if he didn't want to, but he might anger his fellow citizens by outraging their feelings. However, to a normal person the service of the gods was a daily duty and each important event of human life had its appropriate observances. The head of every family was considered its priest. The children were his assistants in carrying out the worship of the gods, who guarded the house and fields and all the living creatures therein.
In conclusion the religion in ancient Rome was municipal and not personal. Unlike Christianity where God is worshiped out of love and trust the Romans worshiped their god out of fear. They participated in festivals, offered sacrifices and offerings, and created family religious practices in the home. Also, the Roman had more than 20 types of gods and goddesses and spirits in which they believed would watch over and take care of them if they were worshiped properly.

Answer 3

Ummm.... because they did?

Polytheists have existed alot longer than monotheists. And no one now was alive when the ancient Romans were to ask that question to. And history doesn't say why they worshipped so many, only that they did.

Answer 4

Strangely, the Roman Gods are fewer in number than Catholicism - if you include the countless Saints! Christianity has condensed its pantheon of supernatural entities to manageable numbers, but the attributes of all deities are similar. The attributes of Roman Gods can easily be recognised in today's belief systems.

Answer 5

A number of reasons, firstly, because they were a way of getting people to do what you want,(give you their money and show you respect) and secondly, have you read up on the Gods? There stories read like a soap opera but with more sex and everyone's a God(or a nymph)! They're pretty interesting, and this was before telly!

Answer 6

Well from the information being taught to me right now...the simple reason is because they developed their religion based upon the teachings of the greeks...so their(the greeks) influencial "religion" was somewhat copied by the romans....

Answer 7

Must be because one of their god's alone just could't do anything. The sad part is that even if they come up with hundreds of gods they will never get anything out of man made objects or imagined other world imps.

Answer 8

false gods in those days was all about politics, its the political type that always went against true religeon long befor the romans,and long after right up to now.

Answer 9

Because they had no idea of how the real world worked and had to invent the gods to explain natural phenomena, just like all religious ideas they were based on lies and fantasies.

Answer 10

They were obviously very desperate and inventive let alone controlled by their rulers who just also conveniently happened to be a god (in modern times reduced to lower case)!


PON