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Agonalia: Difference between revisions
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==Purpose== | ==Purpose== | ||
{{See also|Sacrifice in the Cultus Deorum Romanorum}} | {{See also|Sacrifice in the Cultus Deorum Romanorum}} | ||
The purpose of this festival is uncertain, however, the offering was a ram, the usual victim sacrificed to the gods of the state; the presiding priest was the [[rex sacrificulus]], and the site was the [[Regia]], both of which could be employed only for ceremonies connected with the highest gods that affected the wellbeing of the whole state. | The purpose of this festival is uncertain, however, the offering was a ram, the usual victim sacrificed to the gods of the state; the presiding priest was the [[rex sacrificulus | Rex Sacrificulus]], and the site was the [[Regia]], both of which could be employed only for ceremonies connected with the highest gods that affected the wellbeing of the whole state. | ||
==Occasions== | ==Occasions== | ||
The festival took place on varying dates and to varying deities. These dates and the processions are likely to have been as detailed below. | The festival took place on varying dates and to varying deities. These dates and the processions are likely to have been as detailed below. | ||
==={{Roman Date|01-09}}=== | ==={{Roman Date|01-09}}=== | ||
An '''Agonium''' occurs on January | An '''Agonium''' occurs on 9th of January in the [[Fasti Praenestini]] by [[Verrius Flaccus]], albeit in mutilated form due to the condition of the relic.{{NoteTag|note=[[Fasti]] for more information}} In Ovid's poem on the Roman calendar, he calls it once the dies agonalis ("agonal day"), then following he exclusively calls it Agonalia, offering numerous and varying etymologies. | ||
It is from this poem we can see how this day was celebrated and what processions were carried out. The priest must ask Janus if he should slaughter the animal, this is an uncommon occurrence and appears to be unique to this festival. | |||
==={{Roman Date|05-21}}=== | ==={{Roman Date|05-21}}=== | ||
The '''Agonium''' took place on the 21st of May in the same manner as on the 9th of January. This is apparent from Ovid's Fasti yet again. Quoting:<blockquote>Ad Janum redeat, qui quaerit, Agonia quid sint: Quae tamen in fastis hoc quoque tempus habent.</blockquote>This means, look back at January, whoever wishes to know what the Agonalia are: Though they are also located here too. | |||
==={{Roman Date|12-11}}=== | ==={{Roman Date|12-11}}=== | ||
This third occurrence of the Agonia or '''Agonalia''' shares the date of the 11th of December with the Septimontium or ''Septimontiale sacrum'', which only very late Roman calendars take note of and which depends on a textual conjecture. The relation between the two observances, if any exists, is unknown according to Fowler. A fragmentary inscription found at Ostia that reads: "Agonind" testifies that this festival was dedicated to Sol Indiges. | |||
==Declension== | ==Declension== | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Cultus Deorum Romanorum]] | |||
[[Category:Sacra Publica]] | |||
[[Category:Festivals in the Cultus Deorum Romanorum]] | |||
[[Category:January Observances]] | |||
[[Category:May Observances]] | |||
[[Category:December Observances]] | |||
[[Category:Festivals of Janus]] | |||
[[Category:Festivals of Sol]] | |||