Curiosities of ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, the Salii ritual was one of the most important elements of the cult of Mars, the god of war. These were elite priests who wore special costumes and performed characteristic ritual dances and songs during the annual celebrations. Their ceremonies were intended to ensure prosperity in wars, protect the city, and guarantee Rome’s power on the battlefields.

Augurs were key figures in the religious and political life of ancient Rome. Their main task was to interpret signs from the gods, which influenced the most important state decisions, from waging wars to selecting officials. The art of divination they practiced was known as auspicia, and its basis was the observation of the flight of birds, which resulted from the belief that birds were intermediaries between the world of humans and the world of gods.

Castor and Pollux, also known as the Dioscuri, played an important role in Greek mythology but also gained special honour in ancient Rome. Considered the protectors of soldiers and patrons of cavalry, they symbolized brotherly loyalty and heroism. Their mythical birth from Queen Leda and the god Zeus (according to Hesiod), who took the form of a swan, gave them divine status, although Castor, unlike Pollux, was mortal.