Augury

Definition

Augury is the practice of interpreting the will of the gods by studying the flight patterns and behaviors of birds. This form of divination played a significant role in Etruscan civilization, where it was used to make decisions regarding war, politics, and religious matters. The significance of augury in Etruscan society influenced early Roman practices, as the Romans adopted and adapted Etruscan religious rituals and beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Etruscans believed that the gods communicated through natural signs, especially through bird behavior, which made augury a central aspect of their religious practices.
2. Augurs, specialized priests who performed augury, held significant power in Etruscan society as their interpretations could influence public decisions.
3. The Romans incorporated Etruscan augury into their own religious system, establishing a formal role for augurs in state affairs, especially in matters like elections and military campaigns.
4. In Rome, successful auguries were seen as a good omen, while unfavorable readings could lead to anxiety or a reconsideration of important decisions.
5. The legacy of augury can still be seen today in phrases like 'to take omens,' reflecting the historical significance of this practice in interpreting signs from the divine.

Review Questions

• How did the practice of augury influence decision-making in Etruscan society?
  • In Etruscan society, augury was essential for guiding crucial decisions related to war, governance, and religious affairs. The interpretations made by augurs were viewed as direct communications from the gods, and thus held great weight among leaders and the public. As such, positive or negative readings could greatly impact military campaigns or political strategies.
• Discuss how Rome adopted Etruscan augury practices and what role it played in Roman politics.
  • Rome adopted Etruscan augury as part of its own religious framework. Augurs became formalized roles within Roman government, advising leaders based on omens before critical actions like military engagements or elections. The reliance on augury reflected a blend of religion and politics where divine favor was sought to justify decisions and maintain social order.
• Evaluate the impact of augury on both Etruscan and Roman cultures in shaping their worldview regarding fate and divine intervention.
  • Augury significantly shaped both Etruscan and Roman worldviews by embedding the belief that gods actively influenced human affairs through signs. For both civilizations, interpreting these signs was not merely superstition but a means to connect with the divine and seek guidance. This reliance on augury fostered a culture where fate was perceived as intertwined with divine will, leading to an emphasis on rituals that sought approval from higher powers in decision-making processes.

Related terms

Haruspicy: A form of divination involving the examination of animal entrails to interpret omens and communicate with the divine.

Extispicy: A specific type of haruspicy that focuses on inspecting the internal organs, particularly the liver, of sacrificed animals to predict future events.

Etruscan Religion: The spiritual beliefs and practices of the Etruscans, characterized by a polytheistic worship system, rituals, and divination techniques including augury.