Evocatio

Definition

Evocatio is a Roman religious practice where the gods of a conquered city were invited to abandon their homeland and come to Rome, thus transferring their divine protection and influence to the Roman state. This ritual was significant as it reflected the Roman belief in the importance of divine favor for military success and civic prosperity, often paralleling similar customs in other cultures that sought to ensure their gods’ loyalty and support.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Evocatio was performed by Roman generals before battles to ensure divine support from the gods they hoped to attract from enemy cities.
2. The ritual involved formal prayers and offerings to the deities of the conquered city, symbolizing Rome's dominance and the welcoming of new gods into the Roman pantheon.
3. This practice demonstrated Rome's approach to integrating other cultures by acknowledging and venerating their gods, thereby fostering loyalty among newly acquired peoples.
4. The most famous instance of evocatio involved the goddess Juno from the city of Veii, where it was believed her presence would enhance Rome’s strength.
5. Evocatio not only reinforced military might but also served a political purpose, enhancing Rome's image as a benefactor of divine power to both its citizens and enemies.

Review Questions

• How did evocatio reflect Roman attitudes towards conquered peoples and their deities?
  • Evocatio illustrated Rome's strategy of integrating conquered peoples by inviting their gods to join the Roman pantheon. This act not only acknowledged the cultural significance of these deities but also aimed to foster loyalty among newly subdued populations. By incorporating local gods into their religious practices, Romans sought to demonstrate benevolence and strength, suggesting that Rome could offer a new home for these divine figures while simultaneously reinforcing their own civic identity.
• Discuss the implications of evocatio on the concept of divine favor in Roman military campaigns.
  • Evocatio was crucial in framing military campaigns within a religious context, emphasizing that victory depended not only on military prowess but also on securing divine favor. By performing this ritual, generals believed they could ensure support from powerful deities, thus legitimizing their conquests as sanctioned by higher powers. The reliance on evocatio highlights how Romans intertwined religion with state affairs, viewing military success as a reflection of their relationship with the gods.
• Evaluate the role of evocatio in shaping the religious landscape of ancient Rome and its interaction with other cultures.
  • Evocatio played a significant role in expanding and shaping the religious landscape of ancient Rome by facilitating cultural exchange and syncretism. By actively inviting foreign deities into Roman worship, Rome demonstrated a degree of adaptability that allowed it to maintain stability within its vast empire. This practice not only reinforced Rome's dominance over conquered regions but also encouraged local populations to retain elements of their own religious identities while simultaneously integrating into Roman society. The ritual fostered a sense of shared piety that benefitted both Rome and its subjects, ultimately creating a more cohesive imperial structure.

Related terms

Lares: Household deities in Roman religion, representing the spirits of ancestors, and were believed to protect the home and family.

Pax Deorum: The 'peace of the gods' in Roman religion, which emphasized maintaining favorable relations with the deities through rituals and sacrifices.

Cultus Deorum: The proper worship of the gods in Roman religion, including rituals, prayers, and offerings that aimed to secure divine favor.