Roman gods

During the ancient times in Rome, nothing played a more critical part in everyday life then religion. Religion was greatly honored and many decisions would rely on them. One of the most important and central aspect of Roman religion was the idea of dutifulness or devotion to duty which the Romans referred to as pietas. In Republican Rome, every plebian chose a patrician as his supporter, most patricians were themselves clients of sometimes more powerful echelons in society, however their duty was to represent the plebian in any matter, mostly economic. This partnership known as “patronage” represents the family’s central role in Roman culture. The pater, or father, protected not only his wife and family but his clients who submitted to his patronage as well. (Sayre) In return for the protection, the family and client equally owed the pater their total obedience- this is the Roman example of pietas and how it is not only incorporated into religion but socially as a means to ensure individual and family success and prosperity. The concept of pietas is also applied in some of Roman art such as Portrait Busts. These are generally portraits of patricians but they were extremely realistic, revealing their subjects’ every wrinkle and wart. This high level of naturalism resulted from their original form, wax ancestral masks, usually made at the peak of the subject’s power and were transferred to stone. The Roman busts were intended for propaganda, designed as a way to glorify the virtues of the subject. These images celebrate pietas, the Roman virtue of respect toward the gods, fatherland and parents.