Reconstructionist Roman religion

The region's mountainous terrain allowed the Maniots to evade the Eastern Roman Empire's Christianization efforts, thus preserving pagan traditions, which coincided with significant years in the life of Gemistos Plethon.

[6] Although Harran lost its capital status under the Abbasid Caliphate, it continued to flourish, particularly during the reign of Harun al-Rashid (786–809), when its university became a key center for translation and intellectual activity.

[7] The local religion, blending elements of Mesopotamian paganism and Neoplatonism, persisted into the 10th century, though periodic decrees enforced conversions to Islam, especially under Al-Ma'mun in 830.

Interest in reviving ancient Roman religious traditions can be traced to the Renaissance, with figures such as Gemistus Pletho who influenced Cosimo de Medici to establish the Florentine Neoplatonic Academy and Julius Pomponius Laetus (student of Pletho) who advocated for a revival[1] and established the Roman academy which secretly celebrated the Natale di Roma, a festival linked to the foundation of Rome, and celebrated the birthday of Romulus.

Intellectuals like archaeologist Giacomo Boni[17] Pagan and writer Roggero Musmeci Ferrari Bravo promoted the restoration of Roman religious practices.

In 1914, Reghini published Imperialismo Pagano (Pagan Imperialism), claiming an unbroken initiatory lineage in Italy that linked ancient Roman religion to modern times, via historical figures such as Numa Pompilius, Virgil, Dante Alighieri, and Giuseppe Mazzini.

This period saw the rise of the Gruppo dei Dioscuri in cities like Rome, Naples, and Messina, which published a series of four booklets, including titles such as L'Impeto della vera cultura and Rivoluzione Tradizionale e Sovversione, before fading from public view.

[23] Contrary to some claims of dissolution, particularly by Renato del Ponte, the group continued its activities after its founder's death in 2000, with its last public appearance being a conference titled "Oltre ogni distruzione – la Tradizione vive.

Member Roberto Sestito then initiated various editorial activities, including the magazine Ignis (1990–1992) and the bulletin Il flauto di Pan (2000), though pagan-Roman themes were notably absent.

[25] The Genoese publisher Il Basilisco released numerous works in the Collana di Studi Pagani between 1979 and 1989, featuring texts by notable figures such as Simmaco, Porfirio, and emperor Julian.

In the 2000s, Associazione Tradizionale Pietas began reconstructing temples across Italy and sought legal recognition from the state, drawing inspiration from similar groups like YSEE in Greece.