Religion
The Romans made little effort to impose their own religion on the countries they conquered, with the only exception of Druid religion, which they destroyed because it involved human sacrifice. Nevertheless, many of the Roman gods and goddesses were adopted by the Britons. The worship of Mithras was very popular with the Roman army, and shrines showing Mithras slaying the bull (which represented the powers of darkness) have been found in many places.
All farmers from rich villa owners to humble peasants prayed to the gods and goddesses for good crops and healthy animals. Religious festivals were held at times of the year which were particularly important for agriculture.
Each of the gods and goddesses was thought to have the power to control human life in some way. One way in which the people of Roman Britain tried to ensure the fertility of the land was by praying to the Mother Goddesses who were usually shown on statues as three women holding fruit or corn. The Britons did not usually make images of their gods and goddesses. The Romans introduced the idea of making sculptures, models and pictures showing gods and goddesses as human beings. |
Before the Roman conquest the Britons usually worshipped in the open air at special places like forests, springs or wells. After the conquest people still did this at places like a famous well near Hadrian's Wall dedicated to the goddess Coventina.
Finally, by the second century Christianity started to establish itself in Britain. The Romans however persecuted Christians, but we know only the names of three Christian martyrs. St Alban was martyred at a Roman town called Verlamium, and Aaron and Julius but little else about them. Persecution of Christians ended in 312 when Constantine converted to the new faith and became the official religion in 395.
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