Change within Tradition. Roman religion evolved along with Rome's increasing political influence throughout the Mediterranean world. Gods from Greece, Asia, Egypt, and finally Palestine all took their places in Rome's pantheon. Many cults, often emerging from the east and concerning self-sacrifice, death, and resurrection, began as private or as family religious practices and then assumed a public status. We also notice a general tendency toward imagery of the sun and monotheism.

Cybele, the Great Idaean Mother of Gods. Sometime in prehistory a meteorite struck the earth in Asia Minor, presumably near Mt. Ida. In a temple at Pessinus it was an object of religious awe and veneration. Over time it came to be identified with the Phrygian goddess Cybele, who was concerned with fertility, healing, prophecy, the protection of cities, and wild nature. This range of powers caused her to be...