The Flamen: A Study in the History and Sociology of Roman Religion

Abstract

This book is an enquiry into the old Roman priesthood of the flamines. It deals with ancient an modern conceptions of the nature of the flaminate, with the most important social relationships of these priests, and it offe rs a classification of the transmitted taboos.The book contains two theses: that the flaminates were not, as previously supposed, posts which were avoided, and that the concept of a flamen as the sole priest of a single god is inconsistent with the cul tic facts. To the enquiry is appended a complete collection of the sources mentioning these priests.