The Roles Of Religious Leaders
There were many types of Roman priests.
The earliest priests are thought to have been the Flamine who were devoted to individual gods. The Flamen dilis, who was devoted to Jupiter, was subject to many prohibitions and duties but also enjoyed honors. He, as well as the other member of the triad of the Flamines majores, the Flamen martialis and the Flamen Quirinalis, were originally required to be patrician. The other flamines (minores) were plebeian. In time, the total number of flamines reached 15. Flamines were appointed for life, but could be forced to resign. |