Final answer:
Men might feign a zeal for God due to societal pressures, personal benefit, or to disguise behaviors frowned upon by societal norms in ancient Rome, as indicated by historical texts such as Juvenal's Satire and the Praetorian Edict.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the Annales Herbipolense, men might simulate a zeal for God for various reasons, including societal pressures, personal gain, or as a facade to cover up behaviors considered unacceptable by the society's standards. The historical texts cited suggest that in ancient Rome, there was significant hypocrisy and double standards in behavior and the expression of affection, particularly regarding gender roles and sexuality.
For instance, Juvenal's Satire criticizes the societal acceptance of certain behaviors among men while condemning similar behaviors among women. On the other hand, the Praetorian Edict outlined who could bring cases to court and exhibited prejudices towards men engaged in certain sexual behaviors, although these same men could still represent themselves in court. Hence, men could feign devoutness as a strategic approach to navigate through the complex social norms and legal restrictions of the time.