Which of the following terms refers to the household gods worshipped in Roman homes?

Prepare for the HSC Pompeii and Herculaneum Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions both with detailed hints and explanations. Ace your exam confidently!

The term that refers to the household gods worshipped in Roman homes is "Lares." Lares were considered protective spirits of the household and the family, and they were typically invoked during daily practices to ensure the safety and prosperity of the home and its occupants. In Roman religious practice, offerings and rituals were often conducted at a small shrine known as a lararium, where the Lares were honored alongside other deities.

While Penates also relate to household worship, they specifically pertain to the gods associated with the pantry and the protection of the family's food supply, distinct from the protective nature of the Lares. Numina refers to divine powers or divine wills that can encompass a broader range of deities and spirits, rather than focusing specifically on household gods. Divinitas, on the other hand, is a more general term for divinity itself and does not pertain specifically to household worship. Thus, the correct answer accurately identifies the Lares as the specific household gods revered in Roman domestic life.

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