Auguriai

Auguriai is a term referring to an ancient Roman official who served as a religious leader and advisor. These individuals held significant social and political influence, interpreting omens and signs from the gods to guide the state and its citizens. The augurs were not priests in the modern sense, but rather interpreters of divine will, primarily through the observation of natural phenomena. Their most famous method involved observing the flight and behavior of birds, known as auspicium. They also interpreted lightning, thunder, and the behavior of animals. The position of augur was highly respected and typically held for life. New augurs were chosen by co-optation, meaning they selected their own successors from a pool of candidates. The augurs played a crucial role in public life, sanctioning important decisions such as the founding of cities, the declaration of war, and the convening of the Senate. Their pronouncements could halt important proceedings if deemed unfavorable by the gods. The college of augurs existed for centuries, influencing Roman society until the rise of Christianity.