Definition: The fetiales were a college of Roman priests who performed the appropriate ceremonies at the commencement or cessation of war with foreign powers. It was their job to seek redress against perceived injuries at the hand of foreign powers, as well. The fetiales are sometimes called "peacemakers" who, at least initially, tried to arrange compromises in order to avoid war between Latin states. Four fetiales would go to the Latin state in perceived violation of a treaty, with one of their number appointed pater patratus populi Romani (or Verbenarius) who served as the spokesperson of the entire Roman people. He wore a band of white wool on his head, with a wreath of sacred herbs. If satisfaction were not achieved and the Roman Senate declared war, the pater patratus launched an iron-tipped spear (or a charred and bloodied spear) into the foreign territory, and with proper formulaic speech, declared war.
When war moved further afield, the land in front of the temple of Bellona was used to symbolize the foreign land -- for spear-throwing purposes.
The number of the fetiales is unknown.
Source:
- William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D.: A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, John Murray, London, 1875.
- William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D.: A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, John Murray, London, 1875.
- "The Fetiales: A Reconsideration," by Thomas Wiedemann; The Classical Quarterly, New Series, Vol. 36, No. 2 (1986), pp. 478-490
- <abacus.bates.edu/~mimber/Rciv/public.relig.htm> Margaret Imber's Roman Public Religion
