Degree Type
Honors Capstone Project
Date of Submission
Spring 5-1-2008
Capstone Advisor
Craige B. Champion
Honors Reader
Subho Basu
Capstone Major
History
Capstone College
Arts and Science
Audio/Visual Component
no
Capstone Prize Winner
no
Won Capstone Funding
no
Honors Categories
Social Sciences
Subject Categories
History | History of Religion | Other History
Abstract
The focus of this study is an examination of the use of religion in Roman statecraft during the time of the Republic. Traditionally, scholars have viewed religion as a tool used by the aristocratic class to control the wills and actions of the general populace. This study examines five case studies which serve as counter-examples to this traditional notion and suggest that there existed in the aristocratic class a large number of individuals who genuinely subscribed to traditional Roman religious ideals.
The methodology used to conduct this study focuses primarily on careful exegesis of primary source material. More modern scholarship is used as a helpful lens through which to critique the ancient sources; this helps particularly in presenting arguments for and against the assertions of this study. Support for the argument is found through analysis of the historicity of the case studies, the biases of the authors themselves, and deductive logic.
The conclusion of the study is that the traditional “pragmatic” view of aristocratic approach to religion is flawed. While irreligious segments of the aristocratic class did exist, there is evidence for a far greater number of aristocratic individuals who still subscribed to the efficacy of religious rites and traditions.
Recommended Citation
Lloyd, Christopher, "Religion in Roman Statecraft" (2008). Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All. 548.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/548
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