Priests (Nova Roma)

2006-12-07T22:31:46Z

Lucius Cassius Cornutus:

{{LanguageBar | Priests (Nova Roma)}}

The public rites of the [[Religio Romana]] were performed and controlled by a number of different priestly collegia and other special priests and magistrates. Those priestly organizations that ranked below the collegia were known as sodalicia, and there were many "independent" priests of various cults who bore the title sacerdos. In addition, there were a number of priesthoods of well-established "foreign" cults (such as the cult of [[Isis]] and [[Serapis]]). Some of these cults were initiatory, and were called "Mysteries" (such as the [[Mysteries of Mithras]]). [[Nova Roma]] has reinstated these ancient Priesthoods as part of our effort to reconstruct Roman religion and culture.

==Joining the Priesthood==

Nova Roma is accepting applications for various Priesthoods. If you are interested in helping to rebuild the Religio Romana and the worship of the ancient [[:Category:Roman Gods|Roman deities]] on an official public basis, we would be pleased to hear from you. The Priesthoods in Nova Roma are open to both men and women, with the exception of the [[Vestals (Nova Roma)|Vestals]]. As Priesthood is an important position of responsibility we do ask that you read the guidelines for applications before applying. Any questions about Priesthood should be directed to the [[Collegium Pontificum (Nova Roma)|Collegium Pontificum]].

If you would like to become a Priest or Priestess of Nova Roma, please submit an [http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/guidelines.html Application].

==Offices of the Public Religio Romana==

The [[Collegium Pontificum (Nova Roma)|Collegium Pontificum]] (College of Pontiffs)

The Collegium Pontificum consists of fifteen priests who serve the public rites of the State religion and have general authority to determine the structure and nature of both the public rites and the priesthoods themselves. They act as the general oversight committee for the public rites of the Religio Romana and appoint members of the various Priesthoods. Some specific administrative duties of the Collegium include: advising the [[Senate (Nova Roma)|Senate]] on religious matters, setting the dates of religious festivals, organizing and assisting the Priesthood, and acting as the final arbiters of Sacred Law and religious disputes.

===Pontifex Maximus===
The [[Pontifex Maximus (Nova Roma)|Pontifex Maximus]] acts as the Speaker for the Collegium Pontificum, and oversees the [[Comitia Curiata (Nova Roma)|Comitia Curiata]] and the Vestals. ''1 position; 1 filled.''

===[[Rex Sacrorum (Nova Roma)|Rex Sacrorum]] / [[Regina Sacrorum (Nova Roma)|Regina Sacrorum]]===

The Rex and Regina Sacrorum (King/Queen of the Sacred) are a legally married couple that perform various public rites and make announcements of Festival days. First among the Priests and members of the Collegium Pontificum, but subordinate to the Pontifex Maximus. The Rex and Regina Sacrorum may hold no other religious or political posts. ''2 positions; 0 filled; 2 available.''

===Pontifices===

{{Table_Pontifices}}
''(15 positions; 10 filled; 5 available)''

==Flamines==

The Flamines are thirteen priests who served specific deities - though they are allowed to worship other deities as well. The Flamines hold public rites on the days sacred to their deity, and oversee the general worship of that deity. The Flamines are present in the Collegium Pontificum.

===Flamines Maiores (Major Flamines)===

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====Flamen Dialis====

Position not open at this time. The [[Flamen Dialis]] serves the cult of [[Iuppiter|Iuppiter (Jupiter)]], and participates in the Vinalia festivals and at conferratio marriage ceremonies. This priesthood is subject to a large number of complex taboos which have not yet been resolved for reconstruction. The wife of the Flamen Dialis was known as the Flaminica Dialis, and assisted in the rites and was subject to the same taboos.
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====Flamen Martialis====
The Flamen Martialis oversees the cult of [[Mars]], the God of War, leading public rites on the days sacred to Mars.

|{{CitizenBox | n=Lucius Equitius Cincinnatus Augur | img=Lucius.Equitius.Cincinnatus.Augur | id=9 |text=Flamen Martialis}}

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====Flamen Quirinalis====

The Flamen Quirinalis oversees the cult of [[Quirinus]], a god related to the peaceful aspect of Mars, who presides over organized Roman social life. The Flamen Quirinalis leads public rites on the days sacred to Quirinus.

| {{CitizenBox | n=Gaius Iulius Scaurus | id=5515 |text=Flamen Quirinalis}}

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===Flamines Minores (Minor Flamines)===

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====Flamen Carmentalis====

The Flamen Carmentalis oversees the cult of [[Carmenta]] (Carmentis), a goddess of Prophecy and Oracles. The Flamen Carmentalis leads public rites on the days sacred to Carmenta.
| {{CitizenBox | n=Marcus Moravius Piscinus Horatianus | img=Marcus.Moravius.Piscinus.Horatianus | id=432 |text=Flamen [[{{NAMESPACE}}:Carmentis|Carmentalis]] }}
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====Flamen Cerealis====

The Flamen Cerealis oversees the cult of [[Ceres]], Goddess of grains (identified with the Greek Demeter). The Flamen Cerealis leads public rites on the days sacred to Ceres.
| {{CitizenBox | n=Flavius Galerius Aurelianus | id=2994 |
text=Flamen [[{{NAMESPACE}}:Ceres|Cerealis]] }}
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====Flamen Falacer====

The Flamen Falacer oversees the cult of [[Falacer]], a deified Roman hero (who presumably personified qualities such as strength, courage, etc.) The Flamen Falacer leads public rites on days sacred to Falacer.
| '''''position open'''''
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====Flamen Florealis====

The Flamen Florealis oversees the cult of [[Flora]], the Goddess of flowers, and Spring (and therefore new beginnings). The Flamen Florealis leads public rites on the days sacred to Flora.
| {{CitizenBox | n=Gaius Iulius Iulianus | id=4239 |
text=Flamen [[{{NAMESPACE}}:Flora|Florealis]] }}
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====Flamen Furrinalis====

The Flamen Furrinalis oversees the cult of [[Furrina]], a Goddess of Springs who had a sacred grove associated with water (possibly connected with health and healing). The Flamen Furrinalis leads public rites on the days sacred to Furrina.
| '''''position open'''''
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====Flamen Palatualis====

The Flamen Palatualis oversees the cult of [[Palatua]], the guardian of the Palatine Hill (the oldest settled part of Rome, therefore making Palatua possibly a goddess of Rome's beginnings.) The Flamen Palatualis leads public rites on the days sacred to Palatua.
| '''''position open'''''
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====Flamen Pomonalis====

The Flamen Pomonalis oversees the cult of [[Pomona]], Goddess of fruit. The Flamen Pomonalis leads public rites on days sacred to Pomona (there was no major single festival day).
|{{CitizenBox | n=Gaius Fabius Buteo Modianus | img=Gaius.Fabius.Buteo.Modianus | id=4006 |
text=Flamen [[{{NAMESPACE}}:Pomona|Pomonalis]]}}
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====Flamen Portunalis====

The Flamen Portunalis oversees the cult of [[Portunus]], God of Harbors and doors. The Flamen Portunalis leads public rites sacred to Portunus.

| '''''position open'''''
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====Flamen Volcanalis====
The Flamen Volcanalis oversees the cult of [[Volcanus]] (Vulcan), God of Fire and smithcraft. The Flamen Volcanalis leads public rites sacred to Volcanus.
| '''''position open'''''
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====Flamen Volturnalis====

The Flamen Volturnalis oversees the cult of [[Volturnus]], a River God sometimes also associated with the Southeast wind. (Both these aspects may be related to travel and trade.) The Flamen Volturnalis leads public rites sacred to Volturnus.

| {{CitizenBox | n=Gaius Ambrosius Artorus Iustinus | id=6125 |
text=Flamen [[{{NAMESPACE}}:Volturnus|Volturnalis]] }}

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==Virgines Vestales (The Vestal Virgins)==

A priesthood of six women who guard the Sacred Hearth of Rome. They oversee the cult of [[Vesta]], Goddess of the Hearth and Fire, and lead public rites sacred to Vesta. The duties of the Vestals included maintaining the fire in the Sacred Hearth of Rome, and making [[Mola Salsa]] (sacred cakes made from spelt flour used in public rites.)

The Vestals also guarded some sacred objects, including the [[Palladium]] (an ancient image of Pallas Athene said to have been rescued from Troy). In ancient Rome the Vestals were virgins — in Nova Roma this has been replaced by a voluntary vow of chastity for the duration of office. Until Nova Roma has a central hearth, the Vestals each keep a Sacred Flame as a symbol of the Sacred Hearth of Rome. The Vestals receive great public respect for their work, and are entitled to be proceeded by Lictors.

'''Chief Vestal''': Position open

The Chief Vestal oversees the efforts of the Vestals, and is present in the Collegium Pontificum.

{{Table Vestales}}
''(six positions, two filled, four available)''

'''Past Vestals''': (honoured for their former vows and duties)

* Vespasia Pollia
* Prima Lucilla Cornelia Fortunata
* Gaia Iulia Caesaria Victorina

==Collegium Augurium (College of Augures)==

Nine priests who take [[auspices]] and create [[templum|templa]], or sacred spaces. The Collegium Augurium is the second rank of priestly colleges. The duties of the Augurs include taking auspices before military and political actions, consecrating the sites of temples and shrines, overseeing the laws of augury ([[ius augurium]] — the discipline or art of augury itself) and advising the Senate.

===Active Augures===

{{Table Augures}}

''(nine positions, two filled, seven available (five plebeian, two patrician))''

===Augures Emeriti===
* [[Flavius Vedius Germanicus (Nova Roma)|Flavius Vedius Germanicus]]
* Caius Aelius Ericius
* Marcus Gladius Saevus
* Damianus Lucianus Dexippus

==Septemviri Epulones==

Seven priests who oversee the organization of public religious feasts. The Epulones arrange the Epulum Iovis — (feast of Jupiter which is attended by the Senate and People, and presided over by the images of the [[Capitoline]] deities), as well as the public banquets at other festivals and games. The Epulones are one of the four major colleges of priests, and have sacred as well as organizational duties.

''(seven positions, seven open)''

==Sodales Fratres Arvales (The Arval Brethren)==

Twelve priests who compose the oldest priestly college in Rome. The Arval Brethren offer public sacrifices for the fertility of the fields, and preside over the worship of the Dea Dia, a Goddess of Grain and Cereal crops.

The rites of the Arval Brethren are one of the few virtually complete sets of Roman rituals to survive antiquity. In ancient Rome the Arval Brethren met in a grove sacred to the Dea Dia, where there was a circular temple and bath house. Until Nova Roma is able to provide such a central place, the Arval Brethren are to gather yearly in person if possible.

; Magister (President of the Arval Brethren): This position is elected yearly among the Arval Brethren.
; Flamen Arvales (Assistant to the President: This position is elected yearly among the Arval Brethren.
; Sacerdotes Arvales: twelve positions open

==Sodales Luperci==
The Luperci ("Wolfmen" Priests who officiate at the Lupercalia) were responsible for purification and fertility, and the festival of Lupercalia is a time of fun and revelry. The exact number of Lupercii is not recorded and may have varied over time.

===Luperci Quinctiales (or Quintilii)===

:(founded by Romulus): Positions open

===Luperci Fabiani (or Fabianii)===

: (Founded by Remus): Positions open

==Sodales Salii==

Twenty-four "leaping priests" of [[Mars]] who who dance in procession during public festivals of Mars. The Salii are responsible for keeping the sacred ancilia (shields) and dancing and singing the public festivals sacred to Mars. The Salii in antiquity wore archaic armor and carried arms, and would stop their procession at certain places to carry out ritual dances and sing.

===Sodales Palatini===

Twelve priests particularly devoted to Mars Gravidus:

* Marcus Martianus Gangalius
* Lucius Martianus Paullus

===Sodales Collini (or Agonenses)===

Twelve priests particularly devoted to Quirinus

==Collegium Fetalium (College of the Fetiales)==

Twenty priests who represent Rome in foreign diplomacy and the making of treaties and declarations of war. In Nova Roma the Fetiales act as diplomats with other nations and organizations, and are therefore expected to be well versed in Nova Roma laws and policy.

* [[Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Postumianus (Nova Roma)|Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Postumianus]]

''(20 positions; 1 filled; 19 available)''

==Quindecimviri Sacris Faciundis==
One of four major priestly colleges. Fifteen priests who are in charge of the Sibylline Books (and their restoration).

''(15 positions; 15 available)''

==Sacerdotes (minor priesthoods)==

There are a vast number of major and minor Roman deities that were served by "lesser known" Priests and Priestesses in the ancient Roman world. The Sacerdotes are the lesser "everyday" priesthoods that tend the temples and shrines, indextain the worship of a deity, and who assist the populace with their worship of that deity.

Within Nova Roma the Sacerdotes that oversee the worship of deities that do not have their own Flamen or Collegia (or who assist Flamens in the worship of specific God or Goddess). There is, in essence, no limit to the number of Sacerdotes that may serve a deity.

Please note that since there are many Gods and Goddesses from the Roman World, all the possible Sacerdos Priesthood positions cannot be listed here. If there is a Roman deity that you are interested in serving both publicly and privately, you are welcome to apply to be an official Sacerdos of that deity by applying to the Collegium Pontificum.

===Apollinis Aedis Sacerdotes===

* [[Cyrene Lucretia Corva Apollinaris (Nova Roma)|Cyrene Lucretia Corva Apollinaris]]

===Dianae Aedis Sacerdotes===

* [[Arnamentia Moravia Aurelia (Nova Roma)|Arnamentia Moravia Aurelia]]
* [[Lucia Modia Lupa (Nova Roma)|Lucia Modia Lupa]]

===Iani Aedis Sacerdotes===

* [[Tiberius Octavius Claudianus (Nova Roma)|Tiberius Octavius Claudianus]]
* [[Lucius Cassius Cornutus (Nova Roma)|Lucius Cassius Cornutus]]

===Magnae Matris Deum Aedis Sacerdotes===

* [[Vopisca Iulia Cocceia (Nova Roma)|Vopisca Iulia Cocceia]]

===Mercuri Aedis Sacerdotes===

* [[Marcus Cornelius Felix (Nova Roma)|Marcus Cornelius Felix]]

===Minervae Aedis Sacerdotes===

* [[Patricia Cassia (Nova Roma)|Patricia Cassia]]
* [[Gaius Minucius Hadrianus Felix (Nova Roma)|Gaius Minucius Hadrianus Felix]]

===Neptuni Aedis Sacerdotes===

* [[Gaius Ambrosius Artorus Iustinus (Nova Roma)|Gaius Ambrosius Artorus Iustinus]]
* [[Violentilla Galeria Saltatrix (Nova Roma)|Violentilla Galeria Saltatrix]]

===Palatuae Aedis Sacerdotes===

* [[Vopisca Iulia Cocceia (Nova Roma)|Vopisca Iulia Cocceia]]

File:CIV-Lucius Cassius Cornutus.jpg

2006-12-05T01:38:34Z

Lucius Cassius Cornutus: Lucius Cassius Cornutus

Lucius Cassius Cornutus

Lararium

2006-11-29T14:51:07Z

Lucius Cassius Cornutus:

{{LanguageBar|{{PAGENAME}}}}

The '''Lararium''' (pl. ''lararia'') altar is the sacred place of the home where [[Household_Worship|offerings and prayers are made to the Gods]]. In more affluent Roman homes, such as private villas, the main Lararium altar was usually set in the Atrium (front reception room, near the front door). In smaller Roman homes which might not have an atrium, such as ''insula'' apartments, the Lararium was most often located near the hearth (the kitchen or place of a central fire). But a house could have several minor Lararia as well, indoors (specially in the bedrooms) or outdoors.

==Variety of Forms==

The forms of Lararium varied greatly. Rich homes might have a huge affair of carved marble which looked rather like a temple in miniature. In other homes the Lararium might only be a simple wooden cabinet or wall shelf. Big or small, the important thing about a Lararium altar is that it should be permanent rather than something to be put away when the rites are not being held.

A lararium, properly speaking, is a shrine for your Lares alone, meaning your ancestors. During the Republic there does not seem to have been any statues used to represent the Lares, since they were considered more as ancestors. The death masks of ancestors were stored in boxes, hung on a wall near the entrance of the house, and it might possibly be that lararium meant something like a foyer where these were kept. Today it would be comparable to having photographs of your ancestors at your lararium. Beginning in the fourth century BCE certain patrician families assumed divine heritages and thus may have begun to include images of a Lar familiaris such as Venus, but these would still have been regarded there as an ancestor.

==Making a Lararium==

The easiest way to set up a Lararium is to reserve a small one-tier wall shelf, or a table or cabinet as an altar. A trip to a hardware store, a department store or an antique shop will usually yield something workable. A Lararium need not be any special style or color, if you like the look of it, it works! It's nice if one can place the Lararium in a front room or near the kitchen area as was done in history, but this is not essential. The important thing is that the Lararium be placed somewhere that isn't so remote that it will be ignored or forgotten, or in a place so obtrusive it gets bumped into and knocked about during the course of the day! One doesn't really need a lot of surface space for the altar. A square foot of space or so is about the average, as long as there is room for a candle, incense, and an offering dish. Space for statuary or wall space to hang pictures on is nice but not critical. The Lararium should be kept clean, and may be decorated to taste in Classical style if one wishes.

==Examples==

===Ancient Lararia===
[[Image:Ostia-Shared-Lararium.jpg|left|frame|A probable Lararium niche from an insula (apartment block) in Ostia. It is suggested that this Lararium was shared among the apartment dwellers.]]

 

===Modern Lararia===
[[Image:MOG_Lararium.jpg|thumb|400px|[[Lararium]] of [[Marcus Octavius Gracchus (Nova Roma)|Marcus Octavius Gracchus]]]] 

[[Image:M-Hortensia-Maior-lararium.jpg|thumb|400px|[[Lararium]] of [[Marca Hortensia Maior (Nova Roma)|Marca Hortensia Maior]]]] 

[[Image:Violentilla-Galeria-Saltatrix-lararium.jpg|thumb|400px|[[Lararium]] of [[Violentilla Galeria Saltatrix (Nova Roma)|Violentilla Galeria Saltatrix]]]] 

[[Image:Julilla-lararium.jpg|thumb|471px|[[Lararium]] of [[Julilla Sempronia Magna (Nova Roma)|Julilla Sempronia Magna]]]] 

[[Image:Conutus_6797.jpg|thumb|400px|[[Lararium]] of [[Lucius Cassius Cornutus (Nova Roma)|Lucius Cassius Cornutus]]]] 

[[Category:Religio Romana]]

File:Conutus 6797.jpg

2006-11-29T14:47:53Z

Lucius Cassius Cornutus: Lucius Cassius Cornutus' Lararium

Lucius Cassius Cornutus' Lararium

NovaRoma - User contributions [en]

Priests (Nova Roma)

File:CIV-Lucius Cassius Cornutus.jpg

Lararium

File:Conutus 6797.jpg