| Religion used to support Senatorial policy in declaring war (1) with
Philip of Macedon, (2) with Antiochus of Syria; but this is not
the old religion. Use of prodigia and Sibylline oracles to secure
political and personal objects; mischief caused in this way.
Growth of individualism; rebellion of the individual against the
ius divinum. Examples of this from the history of the priesthoods;
strange story of a Flamen Dialis. The story of the
introduction of Bacchic rites in 186 B.C.; interference of the
Senate and Magistrates, and significance of this. Strange
attempt to propagate Pythagoreanism; this also dealt with by
the government. Influence of Ennius and Plautus, and of translations
from Greek comedy, on the dying Roman religion
| [335]-356 |