Religion in Pompeii and its Impact

Summary:

This source investigation focuses on the impact of religious practices in ancient Pompeii, examining how they influenced both the domestic and public spheres of life. The investigation consists of four sub-inquiry questions, exploring prevalent attitudes towards religious practice, the demonstration of religious ideologies in domestic settings, the influence of foreign cultures on Pompeiian religion, and the presence of statuary evidence suggesting public worship of Roman divinities.

The researcher used a combination of primary and secondary sources to gather insights into Pompeiian religious practices. The sources analyzed include books, archaeological findings, and scholarly perspectives.

The summary provides a critical analysis of four specific sources. Source A, a secondary source, emphasizes the importance of religious observance in Pompeii and the potential consequences of neglecting religious rites. Source B, a primary source, offers an intimate glimpse into domestic religious practices by depicting a terrarium in the House of Vettii. Source C, another secondary source, highlights the acceptance of foreign divinities, such as the Egyptian goddess Isis, in both public and domestic worship. Source D, a secondary source capturing a primary source, presents a preserved marble bust of Jupiter, reflecting the reverence and visual representation of Roman deities.

Overall, the sources indicate that religion played a significant role in the daily lives of Pompeiians, shaping their beliefs and practices in both personal and communal contexts. The summary concludes that while the precise influence on individuals remains uncertain, religious practices had a substantial impact on Pompeiian society as a whole.

Excerpt:

Religion in Pompeii and its Impact

The Topic of Investigation – Religion in Pompeii

Key Inquiry Question
To what degree did religious practices impact the domestic and public spheres of life in the ancient city of Pompeii?

Sub-inquiry Questions
1. What were the prevalent attitudes concerning religious practice amongst the Pompeiians?
2. How were the religious ideologies of the Pompeiians demonstrated in a domestic setting?
3. To what extent did foreign influences impact religion in Pompeii?
4. What statuary evidence is present at the site of Pompeii that suggests public worship of the prominent Roman divinities?