School

Martin 1

Roman Republic
2/26/13
The Importance of Family and Religion in the Roman Republic Every culture is impacted by religion. In every period of time religion has been important. Strong religious faith and family ties can form a strong core of a nation. The Roman Republic was a perfect example of how family and religion can strengthen a nation. From the start of the Roman Republic, religion and family were essential in each Roman citizen. The Roman Republic was not always strong; there were many corrupt leaders. The relations between the people of Rome and the government officials were not always the best. The Republic was in the most disarray after dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated. The assassination of Caesar was accepted at first, however after Caesar’s will was read, the citizens of Rome realized Caesar was not a bad man. Caesar’s assassination left the Republic without a leader. Augustus, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus were then appointed to The Second Triumvirate to track down the assassins of Caesars. After the Triumvirate split up, Augustus was left to rebuild the torn apart Republic of Rome. Augustus used the power of religion and family to create a strong Roman Republic. The Roman Republic valued religion more than almost anything. Religion became each Roman’s duty based on birth, citizenship, and status. Religion was not a choice. The overall goal of Roman religion was the well being of the community. Sacrifices and prayers were taken seriously; the sacrifices and prayers were treated like contracts. Prayers and sacrifices needed to be precise. The main purpose for religion in the Roman Republic was to bring order the Republic

Martin 2 when the Republic was in chaos. The focus of religion for the Romans was the relations between humans and themselves, and also humans’ relationships with the gods. Romans believed that the gods protected their cities and their families. Religion was directly connected to the Roman society. Gods and humans were both considered being part of one society. The citizens would often connect events that occurred to the goals. For example, when the Civil War in Rome was taking place, the citizens believed the Civil War was a result of them neglecting the gods. There were times when religion was struggling in Rome such as during the Civil War period. However, when Augustus took over, Augustus made sure to keep religion strong and prominent among the Republic. When Augustus took over in Rome, he realized the Roman Republic needed to maintain traditional Roman values. The Roman Republic relied on ancient customs that were popular in the past. Many of the aspects of the Roman religion were brought back to life. For example, old ceremonies occurred again. In addition to the ceremonies returning, Augustus appointed a flamen Dialis (Priest of Jupiter) for the first time in several years. Eighty- two temples that had been previously crushed were rebuilt; in addition twelve brand new temples were added. “Secular Games” were religious celebrations that were held for a few days and nights in order to mark the beginning of Rome and the coming of the “New Golden Age” (Mellor 26). Augustus realized one of the ways to reunite the Republic was through religion. By rebuilding temples and adding new temples more practicing religion. Most importantly the religious ceremonies were brought back. The ceremonies brought the Roman citizens together, and the citizens began to recognize religion more than ever. Through religion, Augustus brought the Roman Republic together rather than the Republic remaining separated.
Martin 3 Family was just as important to the Roman Republic as religion. Roman households were similar to American households. The men were always recognized as the head of the households. Women were mainly in charge of household chores while the men were off at work. The ancestors could play a large role in the families by determining the social status of future family members. Strong families in Rome made for outstanding citizens. The outstanding citizens of Rome made the Roman Republic stronger. Augustus understood the importance of strong Roman families. Augustus realized strong families would keep the Republic strong for years to come. Rules needed to be implemented by Augustus in order to strengthen the families. Augustus passed more legislation than any other previous Roman leader. Before Augustus took control sexual promiscuity and corruption to gain political advantages were extremely common. Problems such as corruption and promiscuity lead to high divorce rates and bachelorhood. Augustus wanted to reverse this trend by enforcing strict rules. Adultery became a criminal offense, Augustus did not care who the citizen was, if they violated the law the citizen would be punished severely. The daughter and grandmother of Augustus were exiled for their adulteress behaviors. Legislations were passed to encourage more marriages, and couples to have children. Unmarried men could suffer political and financial penalties. Augustus was very serious about the marriage issue and addressed the Republic. Augustus claimed, “You are committing murder in not creating in the first place those who ought to be your descendants; you are committing sacrilege in putting an end to the names and honors of your ancestors” (Augustus 113). The purpose of Augustus’s statement was to explain the importance of continuing and

Martin 4 having your own family. Not being married and having children was considered a disservice to the Republic. Without strong families being continued and carried on, the Republic had no chance of remaining strong. Augustus was able to send a strong convincing message to the men of the Republic. After the speech, the Roman men understood carrying on family was their duty to the Republic. Starting a family was in a sense giving back to the Republic. By the end of Augustus’s reign the people of the Roman Republic viewed Augustus as a god like figure. Through religion and family Augustus was able to strengthen the Roman Republic. Old religious traditions were renewed, and starting families and remaining faithful were basically forced upon the Roman people. Augustus went back to the roots of the roman Republic in order to strengthen Rome. The Roman Republic went from being in total disarray to a strong state after Augustus was finished. Rome needed an honorable man like Augustus to dig the Republic out of the whole they were in. Augustus was a true role model to the Roman citizens!