Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. Religion. Many and varied were the religions which appealed to the different sections of the Roman world when Antoninus Pius took up the reins of Empire, and, although his accession was not marked by any decisive change of policy towards religious bodies, his personal character and his private inclinations were not without their effect on the position of the various beliefs. Antoninus Pius himself was earnest, thoughtful and conscientious, severe yet full of kindly feeling, self-restrained, weighty and sober1; and he seems to have impressed his character not on the minds of M. Aurelius and his immediate associates alone, but on the whole thought and feeling of his Empire. He was an Emperor who never failed to conduct the customary sacrifices in person, unless serious illness prevented him*, and an inscription was set up in his honour by the Senate and People of Rome in the following terms: --" S. P. Q. R. optimo maximoque principi et cum summa benignitate iustissimo ob insignem erga caerimonias publicas curam ac religionetn*." And again, at Delphi a dedication4-- dated 150 A.D.--was made in honour of Antoninus Pius and his family by the Delphians in memory of his dutiful services to the God and his benefactions to the town of Delphi. We may infer then that Antoninus Pius was making some effort to infuse new life into the effete ceremonies of Eoman worship, and that by his own diligent attention to religious duties he was endeavouring to spread a religious spirit throughout the Empire. 1 Cf. chap. v. 1. * V. P. 11, 3. 3 C. I. L. vi. 1001. * Inscr. Graec. Sic. et Ital. 1050. The religious revival which was set on foot at this time was directed towards the awakening of the old republican spirit of reverence for the gods of..."