THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE GETO-DACIANS
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE GETO-DACIANS

Summary/Abstract: The religion of our ancestors, the Geto-Dacians, interests us because we are talking about the spiritual field in which Christianity has embedded its roots on our lands. The small amount of sources makes it difficult to present this theme and at the same time leads to endless discussions regarding the polytheism or monotheism of the Geto-Dacians. Written testimonies from the Geto-Dacians did not remain, and the archeological discoveries did not bring enough elements for the reconstitution of this religion. However, from the Greek and Latin writers there were precious information about the doctrine, the rites, the sacrifices, the structure of the priestly corps, the religious reforms, the sacred architecture, the similarities between the religion of the Dacians and the religions of the neighboring peoples, the religious transformations and adaptations after the Roman conquest. We learn about the supreme god named Zamolxis, his role as high priest, his commandments or forebodings. The Geto-Dacians believed in the immortality of the soul. This faith explains the bravery and heroism they show on the battlefield, but also the conviction that their souls will go to the god and much more, their austere life and the power to give up any earthly good for the attainment of the immortality of the soul. The belief in the immortality of the soul imprinted a deep seal upon their entire life.

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