Editing Pietas (section)

==As virtue==
{{Main|Religion in ancient Rome}}

{{lang|la|Pietas erga parentes}} ("{{lang|la|pietas}} toward one's parents") was one of the most important aspects of demonstrating virtue. {{lang|la|Pius}} as a {{lang|la|[[cognomen]]}} originated as way to mark a person as especially "pious" in this sense: announcing one's personal {{lang|la|pietas}} through official nomenclature seems to have been an innovation of the [[Roman Republic|late Republic]], when [[Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius]] claimed it for his efforts to have his father, [[Quintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus|Numidicus]], recalled from exile.{{r|Fears|page=880}} {{lang|la|Pietas}} extended also toward "parents" in the sense of "ancestors," and was one of the basic principles of [[mos maiorum|Roman tradition]], as expressed by the care of the dead.<ref>{{cite book|first=Stefan|last=Heid|chapter=The Romanness of Roman Christianity|title=A Companion to Roman Religion|publisher=Blackwell|year=2007|page=408|doi=10.1002/9780470690970.ch28|isbn=9781405129435|editor-first=Jörg|editor-last=Rüpke}}</ref>

{{lang|la|Pietas}} as a virtue resided within a person, in contrast to a virtue or gift such as {{lang|la|[[Victoria (mythology)|Victoria]]}}, which was given by the gods. {{lang|la|Pietas}}, however, allowed a person to recognize the divine source of benefits conferred.{{r|Fears|page=878}}

{{quote|A Roman with the virtue of pietas did not leave his religious duties at the door of the temple, but carried them with him everywhere, following the will of the gods in his business transactions and everyday life.|Max Pfingsten<ref name=Pfingsten>{{cite web |last1=Pfingsten |first1=Max |title=Roman Virtues and Stoicism |url=http://goblues.org/faculty/rogersb/files/2014/10/Pfingsten-1-Roman-Virtues.pdf|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515062042/http://goblues.org/faculty/rogersb/files/2014/10/Pfingsten-1-Roman-Virtues.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2019 |location=Asheville, N.C. |publisher=[[Asheville School]] |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref>}}

{{lang|la|Pietas}} held great importance in the realm of international relations and diplomacy. The credibility of a commander relied heavily on their willingness to set aside personal gain and fully dedicate themselves to a cause, refraining from any treacherous actions. This emphasis on credibility led to the reputation of individual commanders and the Roman state itself playing a pragmatic role in negotiations and discussions. Commanders' commitment to {{lang|la|fides}} needed to be consistent, demonstrating credibility through ongoing actions and a steady approach in dealings with neighboring entities. Upholding respect for existing contracts meant honoring pledges and oaths, thus reinforcing Rome's commitment to ethical behavior and the continuation of diplomatic strategies. The chances of resolving conflicts were minimal if deceit became the standard in negotiations by commanders.<ref name=Pfingsten/>