Temples, Marriage, Ceremonies, and Death
The Romans were very religious. The temples that the Romans built were in Greek styles. In the front there were small porches supported by columns. In the churches there were art, sculptures, and treasures. In a wedding the bride wore a special wedding tunic. They had a flame colored veil, a garland of flowers, and saffron shoes. Their hair was curled into six ringlets. After the vows were taken the marriage contracts would be signed by fathers and guardians. A wedding feast would follow the wedding. When people died they were buried in a sarcophagi, or stone coffins, which had elaborate carvings on it. Wealthier people had funerals that included musicians and people carrying torches. A special speech for praising the dead, called a funeraloration would then follow.
Religion and Rituals
The Romans adopted many Greek gods. At many religious festivals animals were sacrificed and they played games. An Augur was a person who interpreted omens. The Romans believed in fortune telling. They also believed in many gods which is called polytheism. After the Roman emperors died they became gods. If you look on the display board you will see a chart with the Roman Gods on it.
Healing the Sick
Causes of diseases were not well understood. Most Romans believed that illness was caused by witchcraft, curses, and mostly the gods. People believed they were sick then they most have done something wrong and the gods were punishing them. Roman doctors were mostly men and mostly Greek. The doctors were expensive and some were frauds.