Paganism in Roman Britain

Check out Ronald Hutton discussing this lecture and your unanswered questions on our brand new podcast "Any Further Questions?' available on Apple and Spotify

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What was religion like in Roman Britain? What pre-Roman deities persisted? Which new gods came with Romans?

This lecture looks at the evidence: inscriptions, statues and figurines, carvings and all the impediments of ritual, as well as the testimony of hundreds of burials. It shows how the Romans developed the cults of native deities such as Sulis and Belatucadros, and imported their own official divinities such as Jupiter and Mercury and mystery religions such as that of Mithras.

A lecture by Ronald Hutton

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:

[ArcanumV]

This "Ronald Hutton" is my favorite Doctor, even more so than Tom Baker.

[hannaaxelsson]

I love it when the gods of algoritms gives you a gift like this! Would never have thought to look up this subject and lecture otherwise, but I'm so glad I clicked on it - this is fascinating and masterfully presented!

[diabolicalartificer]

Hoorah! Ronald Hutton, he could talk about old socks and remain engaging and enthralling.

[barbararowley]

Wonderful lecture! Professor Hutton is an excellent teacher, expertly keeping our attention and interest focused on this fascinating subject.

[dianespears]

Always like hearing Ronald Hutton on any topic he has studied. He provides so much information and presents in a way one can follow and appreciate.

[WeirdsisterWeibsvolk]

Prof. Ronald Hutton is always a pleasure to watch and listen to.

[jl]

The good Prof. brings the past alive so vividly.

[Shineon]

….Dr. Hutton is that rarest of gifts to students of history : An exceptional scholar whose enthusiasm and love for his subject is infectious ….

[ninis]

Ronald Hutton is a unique and interesting teacher. History becomes entertaining in his hands.

[turinhorse]

American here... you Englanders have a real treasure in Ronald Hutton. can we borrow him a few?

[ladyjusticesusan]

Dr. Hutton is amazing. I wish I could meet him in person and thank him for sharing his talents.

[amysullivan]

Love listening to him. He makes every topic fun and relatable.

[mdog]

Professor Hutton never disappoints! Thanks for this engaging lecture.

[kaloarepo]

Interesting to examine to what extent the medieval cult of the Catholic saints took the place of all these pagan gods and goddesses-I sort of think of old fashioned Catholicism as a way of having all the charms of polytheistic worship while still maintaining that you are monotheistic!

[johnlaney]

Haven't watched a lecturer this engaging since Robert Sapolsky! Thank you Professor Hutton - I'd love to sit down with you over a couple of pints some day!

[kimberlyperrotis]

Another wonderful lecture from Dr. Hutton.❤

[ashenwalls]

I absolutely adore finding lectures like this online, thank you for sharing!

[jenniferlevine]

Professor Hutton is a great speaker and a great mind. It's a pleasure to listen to his talks.

[pbohearn]

This professor is brilliant and I wish I had taken classes from him. It was so moving at the end the things that he said, mixing science with mysticism

[jonathanmarsh]

Ronald Hutton (now a well deserved Professor!) has never disappointed in either his lectures or his published works. The subjects he deals with are not easy to communicate as there is a dearth of hard evidence, and what is left to us is 'open to interpretation', the theories emanating from these assemblages tending to tell us more about the priorities and idées fixes of more recent academic consensus (or those who taught them!) than those of the then-contemporary population in antiquity. The various Welsh Saints' cults give an interesting take on localism and rituals, for instance!
Ronald's scholarship, intellect and enthusiasm are quite remarkable!
Thanks again!