Early Romans worshipped many
gods and goddesses. People
asked gods for help. They thought
gods sent rain and helped crops
grow. Romans prayed and made
sacrifices. Government officials
were in charge of keeping traditions.
They hosted ceremonies in honor of
the gods. Priests and priestesses
tended temples and altars. During
the empire, emperors were regarded
as gods in some eastern provinces.
Families had altars for their
household gods. These spirits were
the lares. They protected families.
Fathers offered food to the gods.
They wanted to keep their families
safe.
The Romans blended different
religions. They adopted Etruscan
gods. They accepted Greek gods.
When Rome conquered other lands,
people of many cultures lived in the
empire. Rome let these people keep
their religion. But they had to honor
the official Roman gods, too. Gods
and religious sects spread from one
end of the empire to the other.
This painting in Pompeii
shows household gods.
Romans Worshipped Many
Gods and Goddesses
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