| Tendency towards contempt of religious forms in third century B.C.;
disappears during this war. Religio in the old sense takes its
place, i.e. fear and anxiety. This takes the form
of reporting prodigia; account of these in 218 B.C., and of the prescriptions
supplied by Sibylline books. Fresh outbreak of religio after
battle of Trasimene; lectisternium of 216, without distinction of
Greek and Roman deities; importance of this. Religious panic
after battle of Cannae; extraordinary religious measures, including
human sacrifice. Embassy to Delphi and its result; symptoms
of renewed confidence. But fresh and alarming outbreak
in 213; met with remarkable skill. Institution of Apolline
games. Summary of religious history in last years of the war;
gratitude to the gods after battle of Metaurus. Arrival of the
Great Mother of Phrygia at Rome. Hannibal leaves Italy
| [314]-334 |