Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Flamen Dialis Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Flamen Dialis and Roman Priesthood: Roles, Restrictions, and History

Cheat Sheet:
The Flamen Dialis and Roman Priesthood: Roles, Restrictions, and History Study Guide

The Flamen Dialis: Role and Establishment

The Flamen Dialis served as the high priest exclusively dedicated to Jupiter, the chief deity of the Roman pantheon.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis served as the high priest exclusively dedicated to Jupiter, the chief deity of the Roman pantheon. The epithet 'Dialis' is derived from 'Diespiter,' an archaic Latin form of Jupiter's name.

Return to Game

Upon appointment, the Flamen Dialis achieved legal independence (*sui juris*), being emancipated from his father's authority.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon appointment, the Flamen Dialis achieved legal emancipation (*sui juris*) from his paternal authority.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis was granted significant privileges, including the right to have a *lictor* and wear the *toga praetexta*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Privileges granted to the Flamen Dialis included the right to a *lictor*, the *toga praetexta*, a *sella curulis*, and an ex officio Senate seat.

Return to Game

What was the primary religious function of the Flamen Dialis in ancient Rome?

Answer: To act as the high priest dedicated exclusively to Jupiter.

Explanation: In ancient Roman religion, the Flamen Dialis served as the high priest exclusively dedicated to Jupiter, the chief deity of the Roman pantheon. The epithet 'Dialis' is derived from 'Diespiter,' an archaic Latin form of Jupiter's name.

Return to Game

Which of the following was a requirement for candidates appointed as Flamen Dialis?

Answer: They had to be married, with parents married via *confarreatio*.

Explanation: Candidates for the office of Flamen Dialis were nominated by the *Comitia* of patrician descent and required to be married, with parents wed via *confarreatio*.

Return to Game

How did becoming the Flamen Dialis affect a man's legal status?

Answer: He was legally emancipated and became *sui juris*.

Explanation: Upon appointment, the Flamen Dialis achieved legal emancipation (*sui juris*) from his paternal authority.

Return to Game

Which of the following was a significant privilege granted to the Flamen Dialis?

Answer: The right to have a *lictor* and wear the *toga praetexta*.

Explanation: Privileges granted to the Flamen Dialis included the right to a *lictor*, the *toga praetexta*, a *sella curulis*, and an ex officio Senate seat.

Return to Game

Restrictions and Taboos of the Flamen Dialis

Flamines were permitted to touch metal and ride horses as part of their religious duties.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditional prohibitions for *flamines* included being forbidden to touch metal, ride a horse, or witness a corpse.

Return to Game

The *apex*, a distinctive conical headdress, was worn exclusively by the Flamen Dialis, not by all high-ranking Roman priests.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was distinguished by wearing the *apex*, a unique headdress exclusive to his office.

Return to Game

The house of the Flamen Dialis offered a unique sanctuary; instead of reinforcing chains, a person in chains seeking refuge would have their chains removed and cast out.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis's house provided sanctuary; chains of refugees were removed and cast out through the *impluvium*.

Return to Game

A criminal encountering the Flamen Dialis on the way to punishment would be granted a respite for that day.

Answer: True

Explanation: A criminal encountering the Flamen Dialis and pleading for sanctuary would be granted a respite for that day.

Return to Game

The numerous restrictions on the Flamen Dialis were intended to ensure his constant focus on religious duties, not to grant him more freedom in secular affairs.

Answer: True

Explanation: The extensive restrictions on the Flamen Dialis served to ensure his perpetual focus on religious duties (*Jovi adsiduum sacerdos*), preventing distractions from his sacred responsibilities.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis was forbidden to sleep away from his own bed for more than three consecutive nights.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was forbidden to sleep away from his own bed for more than three consecutive nights, impacting his ability to govern provinces.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis was forbidden to mount or touch horses.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis could not mount or touch a horse and was forbidden from observing an army outside the *pomerium*.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis was forbidden from swearing oaths.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was forbidden from swearing oaths.

Return to Game

Knots were forbidden in any part of the Flamen Dialis's clothing.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was required to wear clothing without knots, symbolizing unhindered purity.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis was forbidden from touching flour, leaven, or leavened bread.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was prohibited from touching flour, leaven, or leavened bread.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis was forbidden from touching or naming dogs and she-goats.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was forbidden to touch or name dogs, she-goats, ivy, beans, and raw flesh.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis's hair clippings and nail parings were buried beneath an *arbor felix* (auspicious tree).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis's hair clippings and nail parings were buried beneath an *arbor felix* (auspicious tree).

Return to Game

Which of the following was a traditional prohibition for the *flamines*?

Answer: Touching metal.

Explanation: Traditional prohibitions for *flamines* included being forbidden to touch metal, ride a horse, or witness a corpse.

Return to Game

What distinctive headwear was exclusively worn by the Flamen Dialis?

Answer: The *apex*

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was distinguished by wearing the *apex*, a unique headdress exclusive to his office.

Return to Game

What happened if a person in chains sought refuge in the Flamen Dialis's house?

Answer: Their chains were removed and cast out into the street.

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis's house provided sanctuary; chains of refugees were removed and cast out through the *impluvium*.

Return to Game

What was the primary purpose behind the numerous restrictions placed on the Flamen Dialis?

Answer: To ensure his constant focus on religious duties and prevent distractions.

Explanation: The extensive restrictions on the Flamen Dialis served to ensure his perpetual focus on religious duties (*Jovi adsiduum sacerdos*), preventing distractions from his sacred responsibilities.

Return to Game

What was the restriction on the Flamen Dialis concerning sleep?

Answer: He could not sleep away from his own bed for more than three consecutive nights.

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was forbidden to sleep away from his own bed for more than three consecutive nights, impacting his ability to govern provinces.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis was forbidden from touching or naming certain items, including:

Answer: Dogs, she-goats, and beans.

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was forbidden to touch or name dogs, she-goats, ivy, beans, and raw flesh.

Return to Game

What was the rule concerning knots in the Flamen Dialis's attire?

Answer: There had to be no knots in any part of his clothing.

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was required to wear clothing without knots, symbolizing unhindered purity.

Return to Game

Which of the following was NOT a restriction placed upon the Flamen Dialis?

Answer: Wearing the *toga praetexta*.

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis was granted privileges including the right to wear the *toga praetexta*, which was not a restriction.

Return to Game

The Flaminica Dialis: Requirements and Duties

A candidate for Flamen Dialis was required for his spouse to have been a virgin at the time of their wedding.

Answer: True

Explanation: A candidate for Flamen Dialis was required to be married via the *confarreatio* ceremony, and his spouse, the *Flaminica Dialis*, had to be a virgin at the time of their wedding.

Return to Game

The *Flaminica Dialis* was the wife, not the husband, of the *Flamen Dialis*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Flaminica Dialis* was the wife of the *Flamen Dialis*, integral to his religious functions.

Return to Game

The *Flaminica Dialis* was required to be a virgin at the time of her wedding, and the marriage ceremony had to be *confarreatio*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Flaminica Dialis* had to be a virgin at her wedding, which was required to be a *confarreatio* ceremony, a strict requirement also for wives of other *flamines maiores*.

Return to Game

The *Flamen Dialis* and *Flaminica Dialis* were forbidden from divorcing; if the *Flaminica Dialis* died, the *Flamen Dialis* had to resign.

Answer: True

Explanation: Divorce was forbidden; if the *Flaminica Dialis* died, the *Flamen Dialis* was obligated to resign his office.

Return to Game

The *Flaminica Dialis* performed sacrifices to Juno Regina on each *nundinae* (an eight-day cycle).

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Flaminica Dialis* performed specific rituals, such as sacrificing a ram to Juno Regina on each *nundinae*.

Return to Game

The *Flaminica Dialis* wore her hair plaited in a conical form with a purple band (*tutulus*) and a dyed robe, not a simple braid or plain white robe.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Flaminica Dialis* wore her hair plaited conically with a purple band (*tutulus*), a dyed robe, and a *rica*.

Return to Game

During the *Argei* ritual, the *Flaminica Dialis* was forbidden from combing or arranging her hair.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the *Argei* ritual, the *Flaminica Dialis* was forbidden from combing or arranging her hair.

Return to Game

The *regina sacrorum* was the only other priestess, besides the *Flaminica Dialis*, permitted to wear the hairdressing known as *(in)arculata*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *regina sacrorum* was the only other priestess, besides the *Flaminica Dialis*, permitted to wear the *(in)arculata* hairdressing.

Return to Game

The *Flaminica Dialis* was prohibited from ascending staircases with more than three steps.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Flaminica Dialis* was prohibited from ascending staircases with more than three steps, possibly to prevent ankle visibility.

Return to Game

What was a critical requirement for the spouse of a Flamen Dialis candidate?

Answer: She had to be a virgin at the time of the wedding.

Explanation: A candidate for Flamen Dialis was required to be married via the *confarreatio* ceremony, and his spouse, the *Flaminica Dialis*, had to be a virgin at the time of their wedding.

Return to Game

What was the *Flaminica Dialis*?

Answer: The wife of the Flamen Dialis.

Explanation: The *Flaminica Dialis* was the wife of the *Flamen Dialis*, integral to his religious functions.

Return to Game

What was the consequence if the *Flaminica Dialis* died?

Answer: The Flamen Dialis was obligated to resign his office.

Explanation: Divorce was forbidden; if the *Flaminica Dialis* died, the *Flamen Dialis* was obligated to resign his office.

Return to Game

What distinctive hairdressing did the *Flaminica Dialis* wear?

Answer: Her hair was plaited in a conical form with a purple band (*tutulus*).

Explanation: The *Flaminica Dialis* wore her hair plaited conically with a purple band (*tutulus*), a dyed robe, and a *rica*.

Return to Game

Which other priestess, besides the *Flaminica Dialis*, was allowed to wear the hairdressing called *(in)arculata*?

Answer: The Regina sacrorum

Explanation: The *regina sacrorum* was the only other priestess, besides the *Flaminica Dialis*, permitted to wear the *(in)arculata* hairdressing.

Return to Game

What restriction did the *Flaminica Dialis* face regarding staircases?

Answer: She was prohibited from ascending stairs with more than three steps.

Explanation: The *Flaminica Dialis* was prohibited from ascending staircases with more than three steps, possibly to prevent ankle visibility.

Return to Game

Historical Figures and Appointments

Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, is traditionally credited with establishing the office of the Flamen Dialis.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tradition attributes the establishment of the Flamen Dialis, along with the other *flamines maiores*, to Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome.

Return to Game

Candidates for the office of Flamen Dialis were nominated by the *Comitia* from patrician families and required to be married.

Answer: True

Explanation: Candidates for the office of Flamen Dialis were nominated by the *Comitia* of patrician descent and required to be married, with parents wed via *confarreatio*.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis's right to a Senate seat, though a recognized privilege, was not consistently exercised throughout Roman history.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis's Senate seat privilege, previously disused, was reasserted by Gaius Valerius Flaccus around 209 BC, reportedly due to personal respect rather than strict legal precedent.

Return to Game

Publius Cornelius Sulla was likely appointed Flamen Dialis between approximately 279–270 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Publius Cornelius Sulla was likely appointed Flamen Dialis between approximately 279–270 BC.

Return to Game

Lucius Cornelius Merula committed suicide in the Temple of Jupiter in 87 BC after resigning his consulship.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lucius Cornelius Merula, likely appointed in the late 2nd century BC, dramatically committed suicide in the Temple of Jupiter in 87 BC after resigning his consulship.

Return to Game

Gaius Julius Caesar held the office of Flamen Dialis before being elected Pontifex Maximus.

Answer: True

Explanation: Gaius Julius Caesar was chosen as Flamen Dialis around 87/86 BC, later losing the position but subsequently becoming *pontifex* and *pontifex maximus*.

Return to Game

The office of Flamen Dialis remained vacant for approximately 72 years following Julius Caesar's removal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The office of Flamen Dialis remained vacant for approximately 72 years after Julius Caesar's removal.

Return to Game

Servius Cornelius Lentulus Maluginensis likely became Flamen Dialis around 15 BC, filling the post-Caesar vacancy, and is recorded holding the office in AD 22.

Answer: True

Explanation: Servius Cornelius Lentulus Maluginensis likely became Flamen Dialis around 15 BC, filling the post-Caesar vacancy, and is recorded holding the office in AD 22.

Return to Game

Terentius Gentianus, identified as the last known Flamen Dialis, served as consul in AD 211, indicating that previous restrictions preventing high political office had been lifted.

Answer: True

Explanation: Terentius Gentianus's consulship in AD 211 suggests that restrictions preventing Flamines Dialis from holding high political office had been lifted.

Return to Game

Lucius Quinctius, an ancestor of the Quinctii Flaminini, served as Flamen Dialis in the mid-3rd century BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lucius Quinctius, an ancestor of the Quinctii Flaminini, served as Flamen Dialis in the mid-3rd century BC.

Return to Game

Who is traditionally credited with establishing the office of the Flamen Dialis?

Answer: Numa Pompilius

Explanation: Tradition attributes the establishment of the Flamen Dialis, along with the other *flamines maiores*, to Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome.

Return to Game

How was the Flamen Dialis's right to a Senate seat re-established around 209 BC?

Answer: By Gaius Valerius Flaccus, out of respect for his character.

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis's Senate seat privilege, previously disused, was reasserted by Gaius Valerius Flaccus around 209 BC, reportedly due to personal respect rather than strict legal precedent.

Return to Game

Who was likely appointed Flamen Dialis between 279–270 BC?

Answer: Publius Cornelius Sulla

Explanation: Publius Cornelius Sulla was likely appointed Flamen Dialis between approximately 279–270 BC.

Return to Game

What significant event marked the death of Lucius Cornelius Merula as Flamen Dialis?

Answer: He committed suicide dramatically in the Temple of Jupiter.

Explanation: Lucius Cornelius Merula, likely appointed in the late 2nd century BC, dramatically committed suicide in the Temple of Jupiter in 87 BC after resigning his consulship.

Return to Game

Gaius Julius Caesar held the office of Flamen Dialis before being elected as:

Answer: Pontifex Maximus

Explanation: Gaius Julius Caesar was chosen as Flamen Dialis around 87/86 BC, later losing the position but subsequently becoming *pontifex* and *pontifex maximus*.

Return to Game

How long did the office of Flamen Dialis remain vacant after Julius Caesar's removal?

Answer: Approximately 72 years

Explanation: The office of Flamen Dialis remained vacant for approximately 72 years after Julius Caesar's removal.

Return to Game

Servius Cornelius Lentulus Maluginensis, who likely became Flamen Dialis around 15 BC, is mentioned holding the office in which year?

Answer: AD 22

Explanation: Servius Cornelius Lentulus Maluginensis likely became Flamen Dialis around 15 BC, filling the post-Caesar vacancy, and is recorded holding the office in AD 22.

Return to Game

What does the consulship of Terentius Gentianus suggest about the Flamen Dialis role?

Answer: The previous restrictions preventing high political office had been lifted.

Explanation: Terentius Gentianus's consulship in AD 211 suggests that restrictions preventing Flamines Dialis from holding high political office had been lifted.

Return to Game

Which Lucius Quinctius served as Flamen Dialis in the mid-3rd century BC?

Answer: Lucius Quinctius, ancestor of the Quinctii Flaminini

Explanation: Lucius Quinctius, an ancestor of the Quinctii Flaminini, served as Flamen Dialis in the mid-3rd century BC.

Return to Game

Who was the grandson of Scipio Africanus appointed as Flamen Dialis in 174 BC?

Answer: Publius Cornelius Scipio (grandson)

Explanation: Publius Cornelius Scipio, grandson of Scipio Africanus, became Flamen Dialis in 174 BC.

Return to Game

Comparative and Interpretive Perspectives

Georges Dumézil interpreted the Flamen Dialis's prohibitions as symbolizing his absolute purity and connection to celestial deities, not warfare.

Answer: True

Explanation: Georges Dumézil interpreted the prohibitions as symbolizing the Flamen Dialis's absolute purity and celestial connection, reflecting Jupiter's dominion and kingship, distinct from warfare.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis's role shared parallels with priest-king relationships found in other Indo-European religious structures.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dumézil observed parallels between the Flamen Dialis's role and priest-king relationships in other Indo-European cultures, such as the Vedic *rajan* and *purohita*.

Return to Game

According to Georges Dumézil, what did the prohibitions surrounding the Flamen Dialis symbolize?

Answer: His absolute purity and freedom as a representative of a celestial god.

Explanation: Georges Dumézil interpreted the prohibitions as symbolizing the Flamen Dialis's absolute purity and celestial connection, reflecting Jupiter's dominion and kingship, distinct from warfare.

Return to Game

How did the Flamen Dialis's role reflect broader Indo-European religious structures?

Answer: It mirrored similar relationships, like the Vedic *rajan* and his *purohita*.

Explanation: Dumézil observed parallels between the Flamen Dialis's role and priest-king relationships in other Indo-European cultures, such as the Vedic *rajan* and *purohita*.

Return to Game

Roman Priesthood: Colleges and Hierarchy

Ancient Rome comprised a total of 15 flamines, categorized into *flamines maiores* and *flamines minores*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ancient Rome comprised 15 flamines, categorized into three *flamines maiores*, who served the principal deities of the Archaic Triad, and twelve *flamines minores*, dedicated to other gods.

Return to Game

The Flamen Dialis held the second rank among the highest priests in the Roman religious hierarchy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis held the second rank among the highest priests (*ordo sacerdotum*), subordinate only to the *rex sacrorum* and preceding other *flamines maiores* and the *pontifex maximus*.

Return to Game

The *pontifices*, *augures*, and *flamines* were among the major religious colleges (*collegia*) in ancient Rome.

Answer: True

Explanation: Major Roman religious colleges (*collegia*) mentioned include the Pontifices, Augures, Vestales, Flamines, Septemviri epulonum, and Quindecimviri sacris faciundis.

Return to Game

The *Rex Sacrorum* held a higher official rank than the *Pontifex Maximus*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Rex Sacrorum* held a higher official rank than the *Pontifex Maximus*.

Return to Game

The *Regina sacrorum* was not associated with the imperial cult; she held a distinct religious role.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Regina sacrorum* held a distinct religious role, separate from the imperial cult.

Return to Game

How were the 15 flamines categorized in ancient Roman religion?

Answer: Three *flamines maiores* and twelve *flamines minores*.

Explanation: Ancient Rome comprised 15 flamines, categorized into three *flamines maiores*, who served the principal deities of the Archaic Triad, and twelve *flamines minores*, dedicated to other gods.

Return to Game

What was the official rank of the Flamen Dialis among the highest Roman priests?

Answer: Second, behind the *rex sacrorum*.

Explanation: The Flamen Dialis held the second rank among the highest priests (*ordo sacerdotum*), subordinate only to the *rex sacrorum* and preceding other *flamines maiores* and the *pontifex maximus*.

Return to Game

Which of the following was listed as a major religious college (*collegium*) in the sidebar?

Answer: Flamines

Explanation: Major Roman religious colleges (*collegia*) mentioned include the Pontifices, Augures, Vestales, Flamines, Septemviri epulonum, and Quindecimviri sacris faciundis.

Return to Game

Which priestess was identified in the sidebar as the 'queen of sacrifices'?

Answer: Regina sacrorum

Explanation: Priestesses identified include the Virgo Vestalis Maxima, Flaminica Dialis, and Regina sacrorum.

Return to Game