Nova Romanitas

The mos maiorum

Mos maiorum, literally translated as the “custom of the ancestors,” is the core concept of Roman traditionalism. As Ennius wrote:

"Moribus antiquis res stat Romana virisque."
"The Roman state stands on ancient customs and heroes."

The mos maiorum was an unwritten code from which the Romans derived their societal norms. Because positive law regulated few aspects of Roman daily life, traditional customs, by virtue of the auctoritas maiorum (“prestige or respect of the ancestors”), shaped most of Roman behavior. In Nova Roma, we endeavor to revive the Roman way of thinking, the specific mindset that made Rome so great.

Roman virtues

Of great importance to the Romanitas are the Roman virtues; those qualities which define the ideal state of being and behavior of the Roman citizen. The list of Roman virtues remain as the goal towards which we strive, and serve as the benchmark against which we may measure ourselves.

Philosophy

Various philosophical schools were active in the historical Roman world. Chief among these were the Stoics and the Epicureans, although various other schools existed as well. Roman philosophy provides what the Roman religion does not (nor does it try to); a coherent moral code for personal behavior. Thus, while many citizens of Nova Roma are practitioners of the Roman religion, the choice of personal philosophy allows the expression of one's personal moral and cosmological inclinations within the larger framework of Roman society and religion. This separation of personal philosophy and religion is one of the healthiest aspects of the Religio Romana, and one of the reasons it is so uniquely suited for modern times.

Selected links

• Roman numerals
• Roman dates
• Roman cooking
• Roman clothing and equipment
• Latin language
• The Society of Friends of Epicurus

We have a growing number of Reading lists on a wide variety of topics.

Practice of Roman culture in Nova Roma

Romanitas, in Nova Roma, refers to the general study and practice of Roman culture. It is the direct application of Roman ethics, virtues, and philosophies in our everyday life, and it is one of the main goals of Nova Roma to promote the Romanitas and the mos maiorum among its citizens.

As with all aspects of Nova Roma, the extent to which any given citizen indulges in this area is up to his or her own inclination; but it is certainly encouraged. This includes the learning and use of the Latin language, the study and reenactment of Roman arts (including historical civilian or military reenactments), the production of Roman drama, the study of Roman history, and a wide variety of other pursuits. It is as part of the mos maiorum that citizens are expected to take up Roman names for use within our society.

As with all things that make up the Roman culture, the emphasis is on the practical application of these arts and this knowledge in our everyday lives. We study Rome because we seek to emulate Rome; we emulate Rome because we admire Rome. By promoting Roman culture, we are in effect promoting nothing less than the revitalization of Western society. By practicing Roman crafts and arts, we more fully understand our own Western roots.

There are many ways in Nova Roma to be involved in the Roman way of life; sodalitates, discussion forums and more. Choose the way that fits your style and interests.

Selected photo

Forum of Augustus, Rome.

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