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The dissemination of divination in roman republican times

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156<br />

Storm destroys sacred places on the Capitol Roma<br />

Bull broke down on its way to sacrifice<br />

<strong>The</strong> ro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the pontifex maximus was struck by lightn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Note: Rasmussen counts these as four prodigies (Rasmussen 2003: 87). I have not counted<br />

the last two as they are not likely to be prodigies.<br />

154 Obs.17<br />

No head (caput) on the liver on most sacrificial animals<br />

Consul died<br />

Weapon seen <strong>in</strong> the sky<br />

More lightn<strong>in</strong>g strikes<br />

Note: Rasmussen counts the first two as one prodigy (Rasmussen 2003: 87), but they are<br />

excluded here s<strong>in</strong>ce the miss<strong>in</strong>g caput is an impetrative sign (see <strong>in</strong>fra chapter 9 under public<br />

extispicy) and s<strong>in</strong>ce earlier examples <strong>of</strong> the death <strong>of</strong> a consul <strong>in</strong> Livy were not identified as<br />

prodigies, but as results <strong>of</strong> vitium (see comments above to the years 203, 180 and 176).<br />

Pl<strong>in</strong>.Nat.17.244<br />

Palm tree grew by the altar <strong>of</strong> Jupiter<br />

Note: I am follow<strong>in</strong>g MacBa<strong>in</strong>, who dates it <strong>in</strong> 154 (MacBa<strong>in</strong> 1982: 95)<br />

152 Obs.152<br />

Storm overthrew statue at the temple <strong>of</strong> Jupiter<br />

Ra<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> stones Aricia<br />

People <strong>in</strong> togas were seen by people from afar, but not by those close by Roma<br />

148 Obs.19<br />

<strong>The</strong> Regia and two laurel leaves were damaged by fire<br />

Note: Rasmussen has for some reason not counted these (Rasmussen 2003: 88)<br />

147 Obs.20<br />

Boy with three legs and one hand born Amiternum<br />

Lightn<strong>in</strong>g strikes Roma<br />

257

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