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The dissemination of divination in roman republican times

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(10), secret plots will not destroy the state (9), div<strong>in</strong>e assistance will be achieved (9). This text<br />

fits with the cultural model we found for omens <strong>in</strong> general, as can be seen from figure 10.9:<br />

Transgression <strong>of</strong> duties<br />

towards the gods<br />

1, 5, 6, 7 & 8<br />

Omen<br />

2 & 3<br />

Misfortune<br />

9, 10, 11<br />

Figure 10.9. <strong>The</strong> cultural model <strong>of</strong> omens as seen <strong>in</strong> De Responso<br />

Haruspicum<br />

Pontifices <strong>The</strong> pontifices were the most prestigious priesthood <strong>in</strong> <strong>republican</strong> <strong>times</strong>. 219 <strong>The</strong>ir<br />

responsibility was sacral law: sacra and caeremonia (Cic.Leg.2.21). <strong>The</strong>y had access to a large<br />

amount <strong>of</strong> written sources on religious details: libri pontificales, acta, <strong>in</strong>digitamenta ritualia,<br />

commentarii, fasti and annals (Szemler 1972: 22). <strong>The</strong>y could issue responsa and decreta like<br />

other priesthoods, when asked to do so by the senate (L<strong>in</strong>derski 1986: 2154-2155; Wissowa<br />

1912: 395). <strong>The</strong>re is no evidence <strong>of</strong> the method they used to <strong>in</strong>terpret. It does, however, seem<br />

likely that they consulted their records. <strong>The</strong>y after all had access to the records <strong>of</strong> previous<br />

prodigies <strong>in</strong> the annales.<br />

Action<br />

4<br />

G<br />

ods<br />

Compliance with duties<br />

towards the gods<br />

Omen<br />

Fortune<br />

9, 10, 11, 12<br />

219 This can be seen from Cic.Dom.1. On the special position <strong>of</strong> the pontifices see (Szemler 1972: 22-24). For<br />

general treatments on the pontifices see (Beard 1990: 19-25; Wissowa 1912: 501-523)<br />

218

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