Augury

Augur, Nordisk familjebok

Roman augur

Augury is an ancient practice used for interpreting omens by observing the flight patterns, songs, and behaviors of birds. It was particularly prevalent in Roman religion and culture, where it was considered a state-sanctioned method of divination. Augurs, the practitioners of augury, played a significant role in guiding the decisions of both public and private affairs, ranging from matters of war to personal decisions of the Roman citizens.

History

The origins of augury are deeply rooted in the early mythology and religion of Rome. It was believed that the gods communicated their will and advice through various signs in nature, with birds being considered the most significant messengers. The practice is thought to have been inherited from the Etruscans, a civilization that predated and greatly influenced Roman culture. Over time, augury became institutionalized, with the establishment of the College of Augurs, a group of priests responsible for interpreting the omens and advising the state based on their readings.

Practice

The practice of augury involved several steps and rituals. An augur would first delineate a sacred space, known as the templum, within which observations were made. The most common method of augury was observing the flight of birds, such as eagles, vultures, and owls, within this space. The direction of their flight, the behaviors exhibited, and the types of birds seen were all considered significant. Other signs, such as the singing of birds or the appearance of certain species at specific times, were also interpreted.

In addition to birds, augurs might observe other phenomena, such as the behavior of sacred chickens or the patterns seen in the liver of a sacrificed animal, though these methods were more commonly associated with haruspicy, another form of divination.

Cultural Significance

Augury held a central place in Roman society and governance. No public action, from the calling of assemblies to the declaration of war, could be undertaken without the auspices, or favorable signs from the gods as interpreted by the augurs. This practice underscored the Romans' belief in the importance of divine will in their daily lives and the functioning of the state.

The influence of augury extended beyond the Roman era, leaving its mark on language and literature. The term "inauspicious," for example, derives from the Latin inauspicious, meaning "not of the auspices," indicating something that does not have the favorable signs of the gods.

Decline

The practice of augury began to decline with the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. As Christian beliefs, which did not support the interpretation of omens, became more prevalent, the importance of augury and other forms of divination diminished. By the late Roman Empire, augury had largely fallen out of favor, though it continued in some areas and contexts for several centuries.

Legacy

Today, augury is remembered as a fascinating aspect of ancient Roman culture and religion. It is studied by historians and archaeologists who seek to understand the complex ways in which the Romans viewed the world and their place within it. The practice also continues to capture the imagination of people interested in mythology, ancient history, and the ways in which our ancestors sought to understand and influence their world.