Flamen (Nova Roma)

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The flamines are thirteen high priests who serve specific deities - though they are allowed to worship other deities as well. The sources tell us that a flamen was a sacerdos proper, and who was dedicated to the service of a particular deity. A number of sources fix the number of flamines at fifteen (three maiores and twelve minores), however the names of only thirteen of these are known with certainty. The flamines hold public rites on the days sacred to their deity, and oversee the general worship of that deity. The flamines are present in the Collegium Pontificum.

Flamines Maiores

Flamen Dialis

Position not open at this time. The Flamen Dialis serves the cult of Jupiter, and participates in the Vinalia festivals and at conferratio marriage ceremonies. This priesthood is subject to a large number of complex taboos which have not yet been resolved for reconstruction. The wife of the Flamen Dialis was known as the Flaminica Dialis, and assisted in the rites and was subject to the same taboos.

POSITION NOT OPEN

Flamen Martialis

The Flamen Martialis oversees the cult of Mars, the God of War, leading public rites on the days sacred to Mars.

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Quirinalis

The Flamen Quirinalis oversees the cult of Quirinus, a god related to the peaceful aspect of Mars, who presides over organized Roman social life. The Flamen Quirinalis leads public rites on the days sacred to Quirinus.

POSITION OPEN

Flamines Minores

Flamen Carmentalis

The Flamen Carmentalis oversees the cult of Carmenta (Carmentis), a goddess of Prophecy and Oracles. The Flamen Carmentalis leads public rites on the days sacred to Carmenta.

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Cerealis

The Flamen Cerealis oversees the cult of Ceres, Goddess of grains (identified with the Greek Demeter). The Flamen Cerealis leads public rites on the days sacred to Ceres.

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Falacer

The Flamen Falacer oversees the cult of the God Falacer.

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Florealis

The Flamen Florealis oversees the cult of Flora, the Goddess of flowers, and Spring (and therefore new beginnings). The Flamen Florealis leads public rites on the days sacred to Flora.

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Furrinalis

The Flamen Furrinalis oversees the cult of Furrina, a Goddess of Springs who had a sacred grove associated with water (possibly connected with health and healing). The Flamen Furrinalis leads public rites on the days sacred to Furrina.

Manius Titinius Silvanus Flamen Furrinalis

Flamen Palatualis

The Flamen Palatualis oversees the cult of Palatua, the guardian of the Palatine Hill (the oldest settled part of Rome, therefore making Palatua possibly a goddess of Rome's beginnings.) The Flamen Palatualis leads public rites on the days sacred to Palatua.

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Pomonalis

The Flamen Pomonalis oversees the cult of Pomona, Goddess of fruit. The Flamen Pomonalis leads public rites on days sacred to Pomona (there was no major single festival day).

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Portunalis

The Flamen Portunalis oversees the cult of Portunus, God of Harbors and doors. The Flamen Portunalis leads public rites sacred to Portunus.

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Volcanalis

The Flamen Volcanalis oversees the cult of Volcanus (Vulcan), God of Fire and smithcraft. The Flamen Volcanalis leads public rites sacred to Volcanus.

POSITION OPEN

Flamen Volturnalis

The Flamen Volturnalis oversees the cult of Volturnus, a River God sometimes also associated with the Southeast wind. (Both these aspects may be related to travel and trade.) The Flamen Volturnalis leads public rites sacred to Volturnus.

POSITION OPEN

See also

The Flamen 

(J. Vanggaard / 1988 / ISBN 8772890592) Gathers together all the known evidence on the Roman flamines.