Ancient Rome is renowned for its distinctive calendar and frequent festivals dedicated to various Gods; classical scholar W. Warde Fowler discusses each event, and its role in Roman religious and cultural life. The modern, twelve-month calendar was built upon the foundations set by the Romans. Several of the months retain the names invented in Roman antiquity, and the meaning of several months in the context of seasonal weather and yearly holidays remain. While timekeeping has evolved to better suit the revolutions of the Earth, the framework established by the ancient Romans remains. Appended at the conclusion of the preface are charts of Rome's calendar, showing the individual days and events. Taking us through the Roman year, Fowler demonstrates how ancient Rome placed great significance upon their Gods. Festivals were of enormous importance in community life; gatherings and celebrations enforced the beliefs in the Roman Gods and cemented aspects of its traditions and culture. How traces of these ancient traditions endured through later periods of history is discussed. Additionally, the author mentions how in times of crisis Rome's festivals would host a return to primitive rituals as the fearful citizenry sought to ward off misfortune and ill-omens through animal sacrifice and other archaic rites.
Greek and Roman Festivals addresses the multi-faceted and complex nature of Greco-Roman festivals and analyses the connections that existed between them, as religious and social phenomena, and the historical dynamics that shaped them. It contains twelve articles which form an interdisciplinary perspective of classical scholarship on the topic.
Ancient Roman Holidays is a remarkable book that explores the ancient seasons and religious observance practices of the ancient Romans. Mab Borden's meticulous research paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness between mankind and the Gods. This book is invaluable for those interested in the religious traditions of ancient Rome. Ancient Roman Holidays invite readers to embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting realm of sacred days, months, and seasons, unearthing the profound significance of these ancient observances. Immersed in meticulously detailed accounts, as each sacred day unfurls, this book reveals the venerated deities and the intricacies of the accompanying social and ceremonial practices. Within the pages of Ancient Roman Holidays, the reader will discover comprehensive explanations of the ancient Roman calendar, forging a deep understanding of the interplay between celestial rhythms and religious rituals. The appendices provide a treasure trove of knowledge, mapping deity holidays to their corresponding months. This added layer of insight offers a panoramic view of the intricate spiritual tapestry that was interwoven throughout ancient Roman society. The reader will embark on a mesmerizing expedition through festivals dedicated to revered Gods and Goddesses such as Jupiter, Minerva, and Bacchus, delving into the wisdom encapsulated within the rites, ceremonies, and beliefs that molded ancient Roman spirituality. The reader will be transported to a world where every day bores a sacred connection to the divine. Witness the solemnity of religious processions and partake in the jubilant revelries of harvest festivals, as the ancient Roman holidays spring to life in vivid detail. These ancient traditions allow the reader to introspect upon their own spiritual practices, finding resonance in the timeless wisdom of the past. Inviting the reader to rediscover the exquisite beauty of these spiritual observances, Ancient Roman Holidays unveil the secrets and traditions that shaped the Roman calendar. The immersive journey through the vibrant tapestry of ancient Roman spirituality will invite the reader to renew their appreciation for the sacred rhythms that once resonated throughout the lives of these remarkable people.
"W. Warde Fowler's The Roman Festivals of the Period of the Republic gives a detailed commentary on Roman religious festivals covering public and sometimes non-public worship. It constitutes an introduction to the religion of the Romans aimed at students and scholars of history, literature, anthropology and history of religion. The book begins with a thorough introduction on the Roman calendar system. In the course of twelve chapters, the author catalogues and presents the festivals of each month of the year."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.
The ancient Romans were responsible for many remarkable achievements—Roman numerals, straight roads—but one of their lesser-known contributions was the creation of the tourist industry. The first people in history to enjoy safe and easy travel, Romans embarked on the original Grand Tour, journeying from the lost city of Troy to the Acropolis, from the Colossus at Rhodes to Egypt, for the obligatory Nile cruise to the very edge of the empire. And, as Tony Perrottet discovers, the popularity of this route has only increased with time. Intrigued by the possibility of re-creating the tour, Perrottet, accompanied by his pregnant girlfriend, sets off to discover life as an ancient Roman. The result is this lively blend of fascinating historical anecdotes and hilarious personal encounters, interspersed with irreverent and often eerily prescient quotes from the ancients—a vivid portrait of the Roman Empire in all its complexity and wonder.