Arvale

Arvale, also known as Arval or Arvales, refers to an ancient Roman deity or group of deities associated with the cultivation of crops and the protection of fields. The name is derived from the Latin word "arvum," meaning "field" or "plowed land." The Arvales were a college of priests, known as the Fratres Arvales, who were responsible for performing rituals and sacrifices to ensure the fertility and productivity of the fields.

The Fratres Arvales were one of the most ancient and prestigious priesthoods in Rome, with their origins dating back to the early days of the Roman Kingdom. They were tasked with conducting annual ceremonies, primarily the Arvalia festival, which took place in May. This festival involved a procession to the fields, where the priests would perform sacrifices and offer prayers to the Arvale deities to ensure a bountiful harvest.

The exact nature of the Arvale deities is somewhat unclear, as they were not as prominently featured in Roman mythology as other agricultural deities like Ceres or Saturn. Some scholars suggest that the Arvale may have been a collective term for various spirits or numina associated with different aspects of farming and the land. The rituals performed by the Fratres Arvales were highly formalized and included the singing of the Carmina Arvalia, a series of hymns in a mix of Latin and archaic language.

The Fratres Arvales continued their rituals and ceremonies throughout the Roman Republic and into the Imperial period. Their activities provide valuable insights into the religious practices and agricultural concerns of ancient Rome. The inscriptions and records left by the Fratres Arvales are among the most important sources for understanding the religious life and agricultural practices of the early Romans.