Marius the Epicurean · Chapter
XI: “The Most Religious City in the World” explained
Marius awakens in Rome for the first time, exploring the city with a sense of wonder and fulfillment.
What happens
Marius awakens in Rome for the first time, exploring the city with a sense of wonder and fulfillment. He observes the architectural and religious richness of the city, noting the blend of old pagan traditions and the philosophical devotion of Marcus Aurelius. He witnesses various religious practices, from public festivals to private devotions, and contrasts his own Epicurean detachment with the fervent polytheism around him. He parts from Cornelius, who remains aloof from the religious spectacle, and reflects on the call to pleasure that echoes through the city at evening.
Themes in this chapter
The Transition from Paganism to Christianity
The chapter contrasts the elaborate pagan rituals and polytheistic devotion of Rome with the emerging Christian sensibility, exemplified by Cornelius's rejection of idolatry.
Epicurean Philosophy and the Pursuit of Pleasure
Marius's Epicurean perspective is highlighted as he observes the religious fervor around him, ultimately rejecting the call to wasteful pleasures at the chapter's end.
The Role of Art and Literature in Shaping Experience
Marius's appreciation of Rome's architectural and artistic heritage, including the temple of Antoninus and Faustina and the palace of the Caesars, reflects the aesthetic education theme.
The Search for Moral Principle and Right Conduct
The chapter explores the tension between public religious duty and personal moral philosophy, as seen in Marcus Aurelius's combination of Stoic principles with polytheistic practice.
Characters to notice
- Marius
Marius experiences his first morning in Rome, exploring the city with eager curiosity and reflecting on its religious and architectural splendor.
- Cornelius Fronto
Cornelius accompanies Marius on his ramble, but turns away from religious observances, showing his disdain for popular piety.
- Marcus Aurelius
Aurelius is described as a devout polytheist and philosopher who combines Stoic principles with public religious devotion, restoring the worship of Isis and setting festival days.
- Antoninus Pius
Antoninus Pius is mentioned as a predecessor commended for his religious devotion, with coins referencing ancient Roman mythology.
- Apuleius
Apuleius is referenced in the context of the 'atheist' who never raised hand to lip in passing an image or sanctuary.
- Lucius Verus
Lucius Verus is mentioned indirectly through the reference to the marriage of Lucilla and Lucius Verus in the timeline, but not directly in the chapter text.
Key passages
“That old pagan world, of which Rome was the flower, had reached its perfection in the things of poetry and art—a perfection which indicated only too surely the eve of decline.”
The ancient pagan civilization, epitomized by Rome, had achieved its highest artistic and poetic expression, but this very perfection foreshadowed its imminent decay.
Marius reflects on the aesthetic peak of pagan culture as a sign of impending decline.
“Roman religion, as Marius knew, had, indeed, been always something to be done, rather than something to be thought, or believed, or loved; something to be done in minutely detailed manner, at a particular time and place.”
Roman religion was primarily a matter of precise ritual actions performed at specific times and places, rather than a system of beliefs or emotional devotion.
The chapter emphasizes the ritualistic nature of Roman religion, contrasting it with more introspective philosophies.
“Aurelius had succeeded in more than healing the old feud between philosophy and religion, displaying himself, in singular combination, as at once the most zealous of philosophers and the most devout of polytheists.”
Marcus Aurelius uniquely reconciled philosophy and religion, being both a fervent Stoic philosopher and a devout polytheist.
The emperor's dual role as philosopher and religious devotee is highlighted as a remarkable synthesis.
“And certainly 'the most religious city in the world' took no care to veil its devotion, however fantastic.”
Rome, considered the most religious city, openly displayed its often extravagant devotion without any attempt to conceal it.
The public and unapologetic nature of Roman religious practice is underscored.
