A Legal Exemption for the Temple Cults of Rome and Alexandria in the Fourth Century

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This analysis reveals the legal status of temple cults in Rome and Alexandria, suggesting they were exempt from bans and allowed public sacrifice.

Temple cults were legally exempt in Rome and Alexandria, emphasizing their unique civic role.
The central ritual of public sacrifice remained illegal across the Empire except during specific periods.
Libanius' claim provides a coherent explanation for conflicting evidence regarding temple cults.
This analysis highlights the importance of legal status in understanding religious practices of the fourth century.

Kevin W. Wilkinson (2025) studied this question.

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This analysis reveals the legal status of temple cults in Rome and Alexandria, suggesting they were exempt from bans and allowed public sacrifice.