Augures
The Augures were powerful officials in ancient Rome who specialized in augury, the practice of interpreting the will of the gods through observation of natural phenomena. They played a crucial role in Roman society, providing guidance on important decisions related to war, commerce, and religion.
Augures observed the templum, a sacred space corresponding to the heavenly space above. They focused on events within the templum, such as thunder, lightning, falling objects, and birdsigns. The behavior of birds, including their flight patterns, noises, and feeding habits, was particularly significant for an augur.
If natural phenomena were not convenient, an augur would sometimes release domesticated chickens into the templum to observe their behavior. This practice was known as “taking the auspices.”
The augur’s decisions were based on their observations and interpretations of these signs. They sought to determine the divine will regarding any proposed course of action that could affect Rome’s peace, fortune, and well-being.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 