Study Guide

RELI 25
Civilization and Its Discontents: The Roman Empire

Important Themes and Concepts (for exams, papers, discussion)
relationships of power and authority
slavery
the role of the Emperor
ancient definitions of religion, magic, philosophy

Important terms and names(for exams, papers, discussion)
cult
Gentile
Greco-Roman world
Hellenization
magic
monotheism
pagan
polytheism
Judea
Galilee
Herod the
Great
Herod Antipas
Pontius Pilate
paterfamilias



Study/Discussion Questions
How was power in the Roman Empire configured? Who had power, who didn't, and what kind of power?

What determined your social status in the first century Roman Empire? What demonstrated your social status?

Based on what you've read, and what you might know prior to taking this class, do you think Roman society was rigidly stratified or fluid and mobile in terms of social class and status?

How was the Roman Empire organized? What consequences might this organization have for a new religion trying to make its way in the Empire?