Epulones
The Epulones were a religious college in ancient Rome responsible for organizing and overseeing public feasts and banquets. They were one of the four major religious corporations and played a crucial role in Roman religious life.
Established in 196 BC, the Epulones were created to manage the increasingly elaborate festivals and banquets that characterized Roman society. They were tasked with attending and organizing these events, which were dedicated to the gods. A notable example is the Epulum Iovis, a feast dedicated to Jupiter.
The Epulones were initially composed of three members but later expanded to seven, hence the name septemviri epulonum. They were distinguished by their use of the patera, a sacred bowl with a raised center. The patera was used for pouring libations into the focus, the sacred fire.
The Epulones continued to exist into the fourth century, but their influence declined with the rise of Christianity. Their role in organizing feasts and banquets was essential to Roman religious and social life, and their legacy can still be seen in the use of the patera by Roman Catholic priests.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 