Roman priests, who conducted the state religion, did not
form a separate class, as in some Oriental countries. They were chosen, like
other magistrates, from the general body of citizens. A board, or "college,"
of six priests had charge of the public auspices. Another board, that of the
pontiffs, regulated the calendar, kept the public annals, and regulated weights
and measures. They were experts in all matters of religious ceremonial and
hence were very important officials. [15]
[15] The title of the president of the pontiffs, Pontifex
Maximus (Supreme Pontiff), is still that of the pope.
IMPORTANCE OF THE STATE RELIGION
This old Roman faith was something very different from
what we understand by religion. It had little direct influence on morality. It
did not promise rewards or threaten punishments in a future world. Roman
religion busied itself with the everyday life of man. Just as the household was
bound together by the tie of common worship, so all the citizens were united in
a common reverence for the deities which guarded the state. The religion of
Rome made and held together a nation.
