Video from iitutor.com
"The ancient Romans were pagans, they worshipped many different gods. This belief in many gods is called “polytheism”. Believing in one God is called “monotheism”. Jews, Muslims and Christians believe in one God, so these religions are “monotheistic”. The Romans, like many people in the ancient world, believed in many different gods. There were male and female Gods. Their gods were based to a large extent on the twelve Olympian Greek Gods. The Romans viewed Gods as superhuman, immortal forces that controlled particular spheres of nature. For example, Diana was the goddess of hunting and the Moon. They saw their gods as spirits at work in every aspect of life. Worship took the form of offerings, sacrifices, festivals and rituals. Divination was also a major part of the religion. This is telling the will of the gods from signs and omens. This included practices such as reading the entrails of sacrificed animals. Roman Gods worshipped by the People of Pompeii and Herculaneum included: Jupiter (king of the Gods), Juno, Bacchus, Apollo, Cybele, Diana, Priapus, Venus, and Mars. Some other gods worshipped were Vesta, Neptune, Mercury, and • Vulcan. Emperor worship in Pompeii. From the time of Augustus onwards, the imperial cult became especially prominent in provincial cities and towns. It gave the opportunity to publicise their loyalty to the Emperor as well as to move upwards socially. Other religions in Pompeii: There is evidence of Hinduism in Pompeii, there was a Hindu God Lakshmi whose statue has been found. The Ancient Egyptian goddess Isis was worshipped in Pompeii. There is some evidence of Christianity in Pompeii. Temples: There was a number of temples and sanctuaries at Pompeii. Temples at Herculaneum are yet to be excavated. Temples were regarded as homes for the gods and goddesses.' from video introduction.