Chapter Five. Conclusions

Abstract

All major Roman gods were clearly and emphatically marked by permanent spatial foci of their cults in the city, especially by a temple. In addition, space was also a prime parameter in creating Roman myths. The lack of spatial focalization had an immediate impact on two conceptual categories, namely time and iconography. To begin with time: the lack of spatial foci led to a less intense temporal focalization of the cult, since a spatial focus naturally facilitated and required the temporal coordination of cult activities. With regard to iconography, the absence of spatial foci resulted in a lack of iconographic foci. Three categories were relatively independent of spatial focalization: personnel, functions and rituals. One should also take into consideration the priestly seers and their families, who took on the composition, compilation, preservation and explanation of Vedic hymns.Keywords: Christian cult; iconographic foci; Roman Gods; spatial foci