Question

What is meant by the Latin term numina? How are the Roman numina similar/different from the Greek divinities? Give examples.

a) Numina refers to Roman coins with divine inscriptions. Similar to Greek divinities, both are associated with specific aspects of life.
b) Numina denotes Roman spirits or divine forces. Different from Greek gods, numina are more abstract and impersonal.
c) Numina are Roman philosophical concepts unrelated to Greek divinities. Examples include Stoic principles and Epicurean ideals.
d) Numina represent Greek mythological creatures. Similar to Greek divinities, numina possess human-like qualities.

Answer 1

b) Numina denotes Roman spirits or divine forces. Different from Greek gods, numina are more abstract and impersonal. Unlike the anthropomorphic Greek deities, Roman numina represent divine influences within natural elements, embodying a less personalized and more pervasive spiritual concept in Roman religious beliefs.

Numina in Latin terminology refer to divine forces or spirits in Roman religious belief. Unlike the more personalized and anthropomorphic Greek gods, Roman numina are characterized by their abstract and impersonal nature.

These numina are associated with specific aspects of the natural world, such as trees, rivers, or household objects, embodying the divine presence within these elements.

While both Roman numina and Greek divinities play roles in shaping various aspects of life, the Roman concept emphasizes a more pervasive and less personified form of divine influence. For example, the numina associated with a grove or a stream represent the divine essence within those entities, reflecting a distinct religious perspective compared to the vivid personalities of the Greek pantheon.