Quindecimviri Sacris Faciundis

The Quindecimviri sacris faciundis ( lit.: "Fifteen men on the implementation of victims " ) were one of the four highest Roman priestly colleges.

History

After the later constructed legend of Tarquinius Priscus Roman king is said to have two men used for interpretation of the Sibylline books, which were called duoviri sacris faciundis. During the Republic, their number was increased to five, and later to ten ( Decemviri sf ). Since the 1st century BC ( probably the time of Sulla ) was the College fifteen members and was accordingly called Quindecimviri sf. This name has been preserved, was also increased as the number of members under Gaius Iulius Caesar to sixteen. Since Augustus had the right to appoint members unlimited, can no longer determine exact number of members.

Members

Originally it was probably only allowed patricians, to belong to the College; since the year 367 BC was his membership of equal numbers of patricians and plebeians. As with the other high Roman priesthood belonged to the Quindecimviri the socio- political elite. Membership was a lifetime membership, as with all priesthoods.

Known Quindecimvirn were in the late Republic, Marcus Porcius Cato, for instance, Publius Cornelius Dolabella, Marcus Agrippa and Octavian Vipsanius, later Augustus, during the imperial period the historian Tacitus.

Tasks

The most important task of Quindecimviri was the preservation and interpretation of the Sibylline Books and the implementation of the prescribed rites. They were also (though probably only since the 1st century BC) associated with the cult of Apollo and led him consecrated games by. In general, they were responsible for the exercise and care not Roman deities. The Quindecemviri had no office premises in contrast to other priesthoods. However, it met regularly in one of the House colleagues for advice.