Definition: The Luperci were Roman priests who officiated at the Roman festival of Lupercalia that was held on February 15. Tradition ties the formation of the Luperci to Romulus and Remus at which time the gens allowed to become Luperci were limited to the Fabii or Fabiani (whose name became that of a Roman tribe) and the Quinctilii or Quinctiliani. [The most famous member of the Quinctilia gens was the commander of the Roman forces at the disastrous Teutoberg Wald battle, Publius Quintilius Varus.] Caesar added the Julii or Juliani. The Luperci were not appointed for life, but could hold the position repeatedly.
The Lupercalia was an ancient festival that offended later Romans with its nudity. The Luperci seem to have run around naked while performing their office.
Source: William Smith, A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, 1875.
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There were many types of Roman priests, including Arvales Fratres, Augures, Fetiales, Flamen, Galli, Luperci, Salii (Salioi), and Vestal Virgins.
