Augur facts for kids

An augur holding a lituus, a curved wand used as a symbol of augury.

An augur was a special priest and official in ancient Rome. Their main job was to practice augury, which meant trying to understand what the gods wanted. They did this by carefully watching birds. They would look at how birds flew, if they were in groups or alone, what sounds they made, and which direction they flew. This process was called "taking the auspices." The augur's role was very important for almost every big decision in Roman society. This included things like going to war, trading, or even religious ceremonies.

What Was an Augur?

An augur was like a religious advisor in ancient Rome. People believed that the gods sent messages through nature. Augurs were the ones who could "read" these messages. They helped Roman leaders and ordinary people make important choices. Their advice was taken very seriously before any major event.

How Did Augurs "Read" the Future?

Augurs used a special method to understand the gods' will. They would go to a sacred spot and watch for signs.

• They observed the flight of birds. This included the type of bird, its sounds, and its flight path.
• They also watched how sacred chickens ate their food. If the chickens ate eagerly, it was a good sign.
• Sometimes, they looked for other signs like lightning or thunder.
• The augur would then interpret these signs as either favorable or unfavorable.

This practice, known as "taking the auspices," was a key part of Roman life.

Why Were Augurs So Important?

Augurs held a lot of power and influence in Rome. Their interpretations could decide the fate of many things.

• No major public event, like a new law or a military campaign, could begin without the augurs' approval.
• They advised generals before battles and politicians before elections.
• Even private events, like weddings, might involve an augur's blessing.
• If the augurs declared the signs were bad, the event might be postponed or even canceled.

Augurs and Roman Leaders

Roman leaders, such as consuls and generals, often consulted augurs. They believed that ignoring the gods' will could lead to disaster. An augur's opinion could influence military strategies or political decisions. This made them very respected figures in Roman society.

Becoming an Augur

Augurs were chosen from the most respected families in Rome. It was a position for life. New augurs were usually selected by the existing college of augurs. This group was a powerful council of priests. Being an augur was a sign of great honor and status.

Tools of the Augur

The most famous tool of an augur was the lituus. This was a curved staff, shaped like a shepherd's crook.

• The lituus was used to mark out a sacred space in the sky or on the ground.
• This space was where the augur would observe the signs from the gods.
• The lituus became a symbol of the augur's authority and their connection to the divine.

See also

In Spanish: Augur para niños