Sodalitas

Sodalitates in Roma Antiqua

At Rome the principle of private association was recognized very early by the state; sodalitates for religious purposes are mentioned in the XII Tables (Gaius in Digest, 47. 22. 4), and collegia opificum, (trade guilds), were believed to have been instituted by Numa Pompilius, which probably means that they were regulated by the ius divinum as being associated with particular worships. It is difficult to distinguish between the two words collegium and sodalitas; but collegium is the wider of the two in meaning, and may be used for associations of all kinds, public and private, while sodalitas is more especially a union for the purpose of maintaining a cult. Both words indicate the permanence of the object undertaken by the association, while a societas is a temporary combination without strictly permanent duties. [1]

Burial Associations

Associations to provide for the burial of members were common. An inscription from one such association in Lanuvium appears to cite the pertinent law: "The following are permitted to assemble, convene and maintain a society; those who wish to make monthly contributions for funerals may assemble in such a society, but they may not assemble in the name of such a society except once a month for the sake of making contributions to provide burial for the dead." [2]

Further Reading

• Richard S. Ascough Forms of Commensality in Greco-Roman Associations (DRAFT paper for the SBL Greco-Roman Meals Consultation) PDF

Selected photo

Tomb of M. Vergilius Eurysaces, outside the Porta Praenestina, Rome.

Sodalitates in Nova Roma

Sodalitas Coquorum et Cerevisiae Coctorum

Sodalitas Coquorum et Cerevisiae Coctorum is devoted to all aspects of food drink and dining in Roma Antiqua.

Sodalitas Egressus

The Sodalitas Egressus promotes our Republic and establishes person-to-person contact of cives of Nova Roma with other organizations of Roman-related interests.

Sodalitas Graeciae

The Sodalitas Graeciae is dedicated to enriching Nova Roma with knowledge and discussion of the Ancient Greek world.

Sodalitas Latinitatis

A place to discuss the Latin language, Latin literature and Classical philology, along with the promotion of Latinity in Nova Roma. Messages in Latin and other languages are welcome. Sodalitas Latinitatis

Sodalitas Militarium

Members of Sodalitas Militarium discuss and study aspects of the Roman Military with focus on Infantry, Cavalry, Naval, Engineering and Cartography.

Sodalitas Munerum

Nova Roman citizens interested in the art of gladiatorial combat and related entertainments as practiced in ancient Rome. Sodalitas Munerum

Sodalitas Musarum

The Sodalitas Musarum, under the patronage of Apollo and the Nine Muses, endeavours to develop and serve the cultural and artistic life of Nova Roma.

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Forming sodalitates

Per the Lex Cassia de creatione sodalitatum, any group of citizens may petition the Senate to create a sodalitas. The group should form itself informally and operate for six months. After that the Senate will consider recognizing it.

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Sodalitas pro diis (Nova Roma) was announced prid. Kal. Oct. ‡ M. Moravio T. Iulio cos. ‡ MMDCCLXI a.u.c..

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