Origins and features of Early Roman priesthoods: literary sources, images and material culture

Abstract This paper examines three early Roman priesthoods, specifically, the Vestal virgins, the Salii, and the Flamines, through the lens of their visual and symbolic prerogatives, adopting a diachronic perspective based on literary sources, iconographic evidence, and archaeological data. The study highlights the deep historical roots of priestly paraphernalia in pre- and proto-historic funerary contexts, as well as a significant shift in gender dynamics. Prior to the 8th c. BCE, numerous male religious and martial figures are depicted with double shields and other distinctive attributes. From the 8th c. BCE to the Archaic period, both male and female religious figures appear, often equipped with knives, while double shields gradually disappear. This pattern suggests an expanding definition of religious and political prerogatives. By the 8th c. BCE, specialized male and female figures (identified by their knives) assume religious roles, whereas male warriors become kings ( reges ), holding political authority and often serving as Augurs as well. *