Nova Roma is an organization dedicated to the study and restoration of ancient Roman culture. From its legendary founding in 753 BCE to 330 CE, when it ceased to be the center of Imperial authority, Rome set the standard and laid the foundation for our modern Western civilization. Rome civilized the world, and we see the need for that divine mission to begin again.
Nova Roma's society is comprised of everyday people who are passionate and serious about the study and revival of ancient Roman culture. This isn't just a group of people who get together and role-play every once in a while, some dedicate their lives to this. They wish to spread their knowledge throughout to help their society grow and prosper. One of their long term goals is to found a sovereign nation based on their constitution. This is something they see very far down the road, not likely to happen within the current leader's life times.
They have modernized some of the ancient Roman beliefs to today's standards - such as the equality of all people, no one is more important than another.
The center of this society's activities is the Religio Romana - the ancient faith of the Roman people. It is summarized as:
The Religio Romana is the pre-Christian religion of Rome. Sometimes called "Roman Paganism", the modern practice of the Religio Romana is an attempt to reconstruct the ancient faith of Rome as closely as possible, making as few concessions to modern sensibilities as possible. As with other forms of historical reconstructionist paganism, every attempt is made to rely on actual historical and archaeological evidence, and interpolations are made only when the primary sources are silent, and then we strive to be consistent with them.
Another important aspect of Nova Roma is the Via Romana - the Roman Way of Life. This is the concept of reviving ancient Roman philosophies, virtues, and ethics that would apply to everyday life. Via Romana is based on the Virtues - which define the ideal state of being and behaviour. The Virtues are as follows:
Personal Virtues
These are the qualities of life to which every Citizen (and, ideally, everyone else) should aspire. They are the heart of the Via Romana — the Roman Way — and are thought to be those qualities which gave the Roman Republic the moral strength to conquer and civilize the world. Today, they are the rods against which we can measure our own behavior and character, and we can strive to better understand and practice them in our everyday lives.
- Auctoritas: "Spiritual Authority" The sense of one's social standing, built up through experience, Pietas, and Industria.
- Comitas: "Humor" Ease of manner, courtesy, openness, and friendliness.
- Clementia: "Mercy" Mildness and gentleness.
- Dignitas: "Dignity" A sense of self-worth, personal pride.
- Firmitas: "Tenacity" Strength of mind, the ability to stick to one's purpose.
- Frugalitas: "Frugalness" Economy and simplicity of style, without being miserly.
- Gravitas: "Gravity" A sense of the importance of the matter at hand, responsibility and earnestness.
- Honestas: "Respectibility" The image that one presents as a respectable member of society.
- Humanitas: "Humanity" Refinement, civilization, learning, and being cultured.
- Industria: "Industriousness" Hard work.
- Pietas: "Dutifulness" More than religious piety; a respect for the natural order socially, politically, and religiously. Includes the ideas of patriotism and devotion to others.
- Prudentia: "Prudence" Foresight, wisdom, and personal discretion.
- Salubritas: "Wholesomeness" Health and cleanliness.
Severitas: "Sternness" Gravity, self-control.
- Veritas: "Truthfulness" Honesty in dealing with others.
Public Virtues
In addition to the private virtues which were aspired to by individuals, Roman culture also strived to uphold Virtues which were shared by all of society in common. Note that some of the virtues to which individuals were expected to aspire are also public virtues to be sought by society as a whole. These virtues were often expressed by minting them on coinage; in this way, their message would be shared by all the Classical world. In many cases, these Virtues were personified as deities.
- Abundantia: "Abundance, Plenty" The ideal of there being enough food and prosperity for all segments of society.
- Aequitas: "Equity" Fair dealing both within government and among the people.
- Bonus Eventus: "Good fortune" Rememberance of important positive events.
- Clementia: "Clemency" Mercy, shown to other nations.
- Concordia: "Concord" Harmony among the Roman people, and also between Rome and other nations.
- Felicitas: "Happiness, prosperity" A celebration of the best aspects of Roman society.
- Fides: "Confidence" Good faith in all commercial and governmental dealings.
- Fortuna: "Fortune" An acknowledgement of positive events.
- Genius: "Spirit of Rome" Acknowledgement of the combined spirit of Rome, and its people.
- Hilaritas: "Mirth, rejoicing" An expression of happy times.
- Justica: "Justice" As expressed by sensible laws and governance.
- Laetitia: "Joy, Gladness" The celebration of thanksgiving, often of the resolution of crisis.
- Liberalitas: "Liberality" Generous giving.
- Libertas: "Freedom" AVirtue which has been subsequently aspired to by all cultures.
- Nobilitas: "Noblility" Noble action within the public sphere.
- Ops: "Wealth" Acknowledgement of the prosperity of the Roman world.
- Patientia: "Endurance, Patience" The ability to weather storms and crisis.
- Pax: "Peace" A celebration of peace among society and between nations.
- Pietas: "Piety, Dutifulness" People paying honor to the gods.
- Providentia: "Providence, Fortethought" The ability of Roman society to survive trials and manifest a greater destiny.
- Pudicita: "Modesty, Chastity." A public expression which belies the accusation of "moral corruptness" in ancient Rome.
- Salus: "Safety" Concern for public health and wellfare.
- Securitas: "Confidence, Security" Brought by peace and efficient governance.
- Spes: "Hope" Especially during times of difficulty.
- Uberitas: "Fertility" Particularly concerning agriculture.
- Virtus: "Courage" Especially of leaders within society and government.
Every citizen of Nova Roma has to abide by their rules which are set in their constitution. They elect their officials to the offices available and the senate through voting. Active citizens are encouraged to take up a Roman name based on Latin, and may form families. More information about joining the society and their rules and beliefs is available at their web site:
http://www.novaroma.org