This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important; and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact; and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore; you will see the original copyright references; library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world); and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America; and possibly other nations. Within the United States; you may freely copy and distribute this work; as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact; this work may contain missing or blurred pages; poor pictures; errant marks; etc. Scholars believe; and we concur; that this work is important enough to be preserved; reproduced; and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process; and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
#1264401 in Books James B Rives 2006-06-12 2006-06-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.05 x .82 x 6.00l; .84 #File Name: 1405106565252 pagesReligion in the Roman Empire
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Well written; open-ended exploration of Roman religionBy Christopher R. TraversThis book is no ordinary introduction to the study of Roman religion. Instead James Rives takes the approach of presenting problems to the study of the topic; plus apparent differences to modern approaches to religion. Often he will present conflicting schools of thought as a way of setting the reader off on a quest to find the truth.Additionally; chapter 2 in this book is quite valuable for the information it presents on outlines of various known religious traditions in various areas of the Roman Empire. This chapter makes it possible for people to begin to ascertain the Semitic influence on Anatolia; for example; or the overall theological structure of non-Jewish Semitic cultures within the Roman Empire. This itself provides a window into comparative religion that I haven't finished digesting yet.The book is otherwise organized into chapters discussing various challenges; problems; or topics concerning Roman religion. Each chapter largely stands on it's own; and what cross-referencing does occur does not necessarily follow a linear form. This is refreshing because one is left with a sense that this is an incomplete study which seeks to help define some approaches rather than put the author's understanding forward was the single; correct viewpoint.Finally I'd note that there were many times when the author suggested that specific practices might be seen as unusual or strange today and I could immediately think of close modern equivalents. I think the author's view here is that these equivalents are somehow less religious but I'm not quite so sure. At any rate; if one thing could be added; it would be a chapter on the the problem that such continuities pose to the study of the topic.All in all; this is a very well done book and I'd highly recommend it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Mr. D. BrownCovers the subject thoroughly and clearly; not a book for the dilettante but rewarding for the serious historian0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very helpfulBy J. DavisExcellent resource! Very well written
