Roman Religion test 2

Auguraculum

Place previously defined and inaugurated by augurs where magistrates took auspices

Pullarius

The chicken-keeper

Auspicia impetrativa

Auspices requested from the gods by a magistrate, reserved for public activities.

Auspices

A system of divination used in ancient Rome to interpret the will of the gods by observing the flight patterns of birds, often employed by priests to make decisions.

Auspicia oblativa

Unsolicited auspices that appeared as the gods willed, often ambiguous remarks noticed by a magistrate. Could include stumbles, hitches in a ceremony, or natural phenomena.

Divination

Determining the will of the gods

Extispicy

Reading the entrails of sacrificial victim for signs

Sibylline Books

Ancient texts consulted for prophetic guidance in times of crisis, containing oracles attributed to the Sibyls.

Pythia

The high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, known for delivering cryptic prophecies.

Magic

Illicit religious activities with negative connotations, often associated with manipulation or control over supernatural forces.

Defixiones

Cursed tablets

Temple of Mars Ultor

A temple dedicated to the Roman god of war, Mars, located in the Forum of Augustus. It was built to commemorate Augustus' victory at the Battle of Philippi.

Ara Pacis

A monument dedicated to the Roman goddess of peace, Pax, celebrating peace and prosperity during the reign of Augustus.

Pontifex Maximus

The chief priest of the College of Pontiffs in ancient Rome, responsible for overseeing religious duties and rituals. Held by Augustus.

Apollo

Having supposedly helped Augustus win the Battle of Actium, a temple was built to Apollo inside the pomerium. The Sibylline books were also moved here.

Vesta

Augustus built a new shrine to Vesta in his house on the Palatine.

flamen Dialis

Augustus restored the office of the flamen Dialis, loosened some of the restrictions.

Secular Games

Games meant to be celebrated at the end of every age, held by Augustus in 17 BC.

Lares Augusti

Household deities worshipped as protectors of the family and state, associated with Augustus and enhanced by his reign.

Vicomagistri

Locally chosen magistrates (block captains) who oversaw the shrines; recruited from vici (neighborhoods redistricted by Augustus), mostly freedmen.

Genius

The divine spirit or guardian of an individual, family, or group, often associated with their fortune and well-being.

Belvedere Altar

An Augustinian altar that depicts multiple scenes, one featuring Augustine handing lares to attendants.

Vicus Sandalarius Altar

A block located near the forum of Augustus names for the sandal makers. Depicts Augustus as augur with chicken.

Fasti

Lawful for public business

Nefasti

Unlawful for public business

Intercisi

Half-and-half days for lawful/unlawful business.

Kalends

First of the month

Nones

5th or 7th of the month, depending on the month (9 days before Ides)

Ides

13th or 15th, depending on the month.

Saturnalia

End of year party; masters and slaves switched places.

Cerealia

Growth of cereals and other products of the fields

Vinalia

Opening of new jars of wine

Carmentalia

Knowing the right formula or prayer

Temple of Concord

Restored by Tiberius, renames Augustan Concord.

Germanicus

The guy who campaigned in Germany

Ancile

The shield Numa got from Jupiter, then hid among many others.

Salii

Priests who would dance with the ancile.

Veneralia

Festival for Venus, included naked women washing her statue

Megalensia

Festival for the Magna Mater that included a lot of singing and dancing

Ceres

Agricultural goddess and mother of Persephone.

Cerialia

Celebration of Ceres

Fordicidia

Slaughtering of pregnant cow festival

Temple of Veiovis

Temple to young Jupiter, dedicated on March 7th.

Anna Perenna

Sister of Dido, who later threw herself into a river after seeing Aeneas.

Liberalia

Coming of age day for boys.

Quinquartus

Festival of Minerva (warfare and crafts)