What did Roman Londoners believe in?
Religious belief played an important part in all areas of Roman Londoners’ lives. They looked to the gods to help them make decisions, to heal injuries or for good luck.
On religious holidays, Roman Londoners celebrated at the temple of the god whose feast day it was. They prayed to them and made sacrifices to ensure the deity favoured them.
Mostly, they worshipped the empire’s official gods, inherited from the ancient Greeks, such as Jupiter, Minerva and Mars. However, other deities, like Mithras and Isis, had also been adopted from other parts of the empire.
For a time, Mithraism was very popular. It was a secret society for soldiers, merchants and administrators. This marble head was found underneath the floor of his temple in Roman London.
Gradually, other religions open to both men and women became more popular. Christianity was one of them.
Londoners cursed someone by writing their name on lead tablets. Mirror writing made this request to the gods more potent.
- Introduction
- Who lived in Roman London?
- What was it like to live in Roman London?
- What was family life like?
- What sort of jobs did Roman Londoners have?
- What did Roman Londoners believe in? (this page)
- Further information
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