The Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism [1911] - Get a Free Blog

ASIA MINOR.
r T A HE first Oriental religion adopted by the Romans
J A was that of the goddess of Phrygia, whom the
people of Pessinus and Mount Ida worshiped, and who
received the name of Magna Mater deum Idea in the
Occident. Its history in Italy covers six centuries, and
we can trace each phase of the transformation that
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changed
it in the course of time from a collection of
very primitive nature beliefs into a system of spiritual
ized mysteries used by some as a weapon against Chris
tianity. We shall now endeavor to outline the succes
sive phases of that slow metamorphosis.
This religion is the only one whose success in the
Latin world was caused originally by a mere chance
circumstance. In 205 B. C., when Hannibal, van
quished but still threatening, made his last stand in
the mountains of Bruttium, repeated torrents of stones
frightened the Roman people. When the books were
officially consulted in regard to this prodigy they prom
ised that the enemy would be driven from Italy if the
Great Mother of Ida could be brought to Rome. No
body but the Sibyls themselves had the power of avert
ing the evils prophesied by them. They had come to
Italy from Asia Minor, and in this critical situation
their sacred poem recommended the practice of their
native religion as a remedy. In token of his friend-