Epulones

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Goddess (Vesta or Concordia), extending a patera, emblem of the Epulones

The epulones (

festivals and games (ludi). They constituted one of the four great religious corporations (quattuor amplissima collegia) of ancient Roman priests.[1]

Establishment and influence

Inscription on the Pyramid of Cestius, noting that Gaius Cestius (1st century BC) was a member of the College of Epulones (EPVLO) and one of the septemviri Epulonum (VII·VIR·EPVLONVM).

The college was founded in 196 BC due to a law passed by

Jupiter.[7] Previously these banquets were managed by the pontiffs.[8]

There were four great

festivals and games (ludi) had originally been carried out by the pontiffs.[1]

The College of Epulones was established long after civil reforms had opened the

The patera was the sacred bowl used by the epulones.[14] It was shallow with a raised center so that when held in the palm, the thumb could be placed on the raised centre without profaning the libation, as it is poured into the focus, or sacred fire. The patera was the special emblem of the epulones. The paten used today by Roman Catholic priests, omits the raised center.

References

External links