Religion and the Romans

Religion and the Romans provides a short, modern introduction to religion in the Roman world. It deals with the public and private nature of religion at Rome itself, and looks at the native cults of the empire, with special reference to Gaul, as well as considering how the exotic cults such as those of Isis and Mithras were viewed. Finally, a fresh look is taken at the conflict of Christianity with the inhabitants and authorities of the empire, from Nero to Constantine and beyond.

This lively and accessible book will prove invaluable to students of the classical world providing a much needed general survey of Roman religion.

Ken Dowden is Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of Birmingham. He has written ＂Death and the Maiden: Girl’s Initiation Rites in Greek Mythology＂ and The Uses of Greek Mythology,＂ and researches also in the areas of religion and the novel.