Eastern religious influences in the imperial Roman Army

Religion was an important, and unifying element of the imperial Roman army. The imperial cult created and maintained a bond among the troops. Studying the specific cults of Mithra, Jupiter Dolichenus and Sol Invictus is also valuable, as they reflect Romanization, illustrate cult movement in the empire and represent military religious practices. Despite contemporary concerns there was also a Christian and Jewish presence within the imperial army. The imperial army permitted all cults, as long as Rome's state cults were respected. Imperial influence, especially by the Severan Dynasty, may explain the introduction of many eastern cults. An increased number of provincial recruits over the first three centuries CE, and a heightened transfer of troops to the eastern frontiers, may also explain the escalated worship of non-Roman, eastern cults during the imperial period. Modern scholarship on such issues is emphasized in this study, as it guides the interpretation of primary evidence.

Authors

• Chomiak, Amanda
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science

• Dissertations, Academic
• Rome -- Army -- History
• Rome -- Army -- Religious life
• Soldiers -- Religious life -- Rome

Identifier

hdl:10133/773

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/773