First are Consuls, C. Fabius Buteo Modianus and P. Minucia Strabo. Then Nova Roma magistrates, Censors Equitius Marinus and Octavius Germanicus, Praetors Galerius Paulinus and Octavius Pius Ahenobarbus, Curules Aediles Equitius Cato and Iulius Sabinus near Plebeian Aediles Julilla Sempronia Magna and Hortensia Maior.  Tribunes M. Arminius Maior, C. Vipsanius Agrippa, Quaestors of the Republic, Cn. Iulius Caesar,Q. Fabius Alectus and C. Arminius Reccanellus.

Young men on horseback and foot and war dancers  :  T. Atillius Bellator, M. Darius Firmitus, Gellius Marcellus, C. Marius Aquilius, Cn. Scribonius Scriptor. They wore red tunics and bronze belts, a bronze crested helmet, and a sword.  They are accompanied by assorted musicians

The representatives of the Ludi Circenses factionis  : L. Cassia Silvana, Diana Aventina, Valeria Mesallina, Cassius Pontonius, G. Aurelia Falco Silvana and wellknown athletes, the Circus Maximus audience idols.

People of Nova Roma carrying gold and silver vessels, incenses and then men carrying on fercula images of the Gods.

The procession had slowly wound its way through the City, climbing the Clivus Capitolius to enter the sacred precinct where the waiting crowd had gathered.  The Praeco Q. Servilius Priscus beats his staff to silence the crowd.  Then, raising his right hand with two fingers extended, he calls out. “Hoc agite! Give your attention to this! Away from here, I warn you, go far away from hence, whosoever among you is unchaste, do not share in this sacred task.”

Citizens bearing auspicious names enter the sacred precinct with sacred boughs. These are followed by choirs of youths and maidens, singing a hymn especially composed for this day by L. Arminius Faustus.  They hold the final note and stamp their feet in rhythm, as next the Vestales Virgines, Maxima Messallina and Lucia Lupa lead a troop of boys and girls who sprinkle the whole space with water drawn all the nearby fountains and rivers of Rome.

The procession continues to enter the sacred precinct, bearing gifts and leading the sacrificial animals as it winds its way around the altars that have been set up for the Capitoline Trinity.  Consul Fabius Modianus is seen standing at the entrance of the precinct.  The Praeco Servilius Priscus calls out again, “Go! Far from here, this is a sacred place, Go, you who are profane!” 

The crowd responds, “Tacemus. We are silent. We trust in the Gods, we will put our hopes in the Gods.”

Consul Modianus turns to Aedilis Curulis who has prepared the Ludi Romani and says, “Tite Iuli Sabine, I wish you to assist me as Minister Sacrificii in these sacrifices.

Iulius Sabinus replies, “Audivi! Thus have I heard.”

“Then Go!” Consul Modianus calls out, “And bring back offerings, sacrifices, and priests to oversee them that I may sacrifice this day to highest Jupiter, to Juno, and to Minerva.”

Titus Sabinus walks over to an area previously prepared.  Three times he circuits a round altar, aspersing it with pure water and then three times winds the altar with februa threads. Three times he passes around the altar, bearing a patera and jug of wine, as two camilli follow him.   Sabinus prays, “Vesta favor me.  To You now our voices lift in praise as by this rite it is allowed that we may approach You.”  He hands the patera and wine to Gaius Marius Maior.  Sabinus holds his hands out above a bowl held by camillus, L. Vitellius Triarius, While another camillus, the Aedilis’ son Titus Iuilius Crassus, pours pure water over his hands.  Three times Sabinus holds up his right hand over his head so that the water drips upon his brow, each time praying, “May this water purify my body as rain purifies the air.”  Sabinus next takes up a torch from Oppius Fabius Montanus. 

“O Vesta, if I have always brought pure hands to your secret services, make it so now.”  He lights the focus within the round altar and watches as the flames climb upward, giving the torch back to Oppius Montanus’ keeping.  He holds forth his hand, palm up, as Titus Crassus pours incense into it from an acerra.  Turning his hand in the gesture of liberalitas, the incense falls into the flames.  Three times the clouds of incense billow upward to the heavens.  Sabinus motions forward Iulia Cytheris, taking from her a wreath of laurel that he places into the flames. Praying manus prona, “Vesta, watch over her whose hand tends the Holy Fire.  Live well, fires. O live, I pray, undying flames.”  A platter of honeyed cakes is brought forward. Iulia holds the platter as Sabinus lifts each on his sacrificial blade into the flames.  With solemn prayers he offers wine to Vesta, with each time his patera is refilled by Gaius Marius.  Then instructing Iulia Cytheris to remain and keep Vesta’s fires burning, Sabinus takes up the torch from Montanus, approaches the altar of Jupiter and lights its focus.  In turn he lights the altars of Juno and Minerva as well.  First passing around each in turn, he places wreathes of laurel on each and returns to the side of Consul Modianus.

Consul Modianus turns to Aedilis Sabinus and says, “Tell me now, whether there appears to be silentium.”

Aedilis Sabinus nods towards the Praeco Servilius Priscus, who calls out, “Come, be present, Gods and men, to these holy rites.  Begone, you wicked folk, begone far from here, all in whose hearts is harbored unspoken an unholy desire, any who thinks their elderly relatives have lived too long, or you who are conscious of ever having struck your own mother, fear the urn of unbending Aeacus in the Underworld.  I call only upon the innocent and the chaste.”

“Favete linguis,” says Tullia Scholastica, “Mind your words,” and her admonition passes along throughout the attending crowd.

Sabinus turns to Consul Modianus to say, “ There appears to be silentium.”

Consul Modianus acknowledges the stillness of the waiting crowd.  Leading off with his right foot, he enters into the sacred precinct, proceeded by camilli C. Moravius Brutus and L. Cassius Cornutus. Pontifices, Vestales Virgines Maxima Valeria Messallina and Lucia Modia Lupa, Augur L. Equitius Cincinnatus Augur, Epulones, Flamines, Senatores and the sacerdotes of Nova Roma follow bearing offerings. Patricia Cassia leads the sacerdotes, wearing a white silk palla over a saffron stola. Armentia Moravia Aula, her flaxen hair veiled in a blue palla, Marcus Felix with his gray beard, and the others, Cyrene Lucretia Corva Apollinaris, Tiberius Octavius Claudianus, and Vopisca Iulia Cocceia follow in their wake.

Little Prima Labiena Iulia tugs at her mother Appia Claudia, pointing from the crowd as Oppius Fabius Montanus and C. Marius Maior lead a huge white bull and two white cows who were bred for the epulum Iovis.  Embroidered mantles drape over their haunches, garlands of flowers on their shoulders, their horns gilded in gold, with ribbons holding in place the plaques above their brows that dedicate each to Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Juno Capitolina, and Minerva as they saunter slowly led by popae and with the victimarii at their flanks.  Appia Labiena can barely hold her son in her arms as Prima Iulia begins to jump and wave at the sight of her father, Senator T. Labienus Fortunatus, among the Nobiles.  Crouching down, L. Salix Cicero whispers gently to the child, restoring silentium for the moment.   Others may be seen in the crowd who also grow with anticipated excitement. Ser. Apollonius Fidelis along with his wife and their son and daughter have traveled in from Gallia Beligica. The smile of Roscia Annaea Pia shines light upon the scene that would dim even the rays of Apollo. Livia Iulia Drusilla giggles and squeals as much as Prima Iulia, as she stands beside bellissima Sempronia Solaria Messalina, a serene beauty who graces Nova Roma, second only to Leona Martiana Bellatrix.   Across the way, Aulus Cordus is seen chattering away, only to receive the glaring stare of Servilius Priscus.

The attention of the crowd is turned once more to Consul Modianus, as he along with his camilli C. Moravius Brutus and L. Cassius Cornutus approach the altar of Jupiter Optimus Maximus.  Moravius Brutus pours pure water over the Consul’s hands and onto a bough of laurel held by Sabinus. Thrice Sabinus asperses Consul Modianus to perform the ritual purification. 

Behind the Consul’s left shoulder stands Pontifex Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius. As Prompter he holds open a scroll and whispers the pontifical formula by which the Consul will conduct the rites.  Next to Caecilius Metullus stands Augur L. Equitius Cincinnatus coolly watching that all is performed according to augural prescriptions.  Behind the Consul’s right shoulder stand the Pontifices – M. Cassius Iulianus, the Pontifex Maximus, Cn. Salvius Astur, M. Antonius Gryllus Graecus, and the rest. To one side stand the Vestales Virgines and children to act as witnesses, while the flamines and sacerdotes place themselves opposite.  Consul Modianus raises his right hand manus supina towards the northwestern sky and intones the invocation of Di testores.

“Hear me, Janus.  Listen, Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Juno Regina, Minerva, and all you other gods and goddesses who dwell upon the Capitolium and the Arx, and all You Heavenly Gods, and You Gods of the earth, and You below, who cherish this City, its many fountains, and its sacred groves, listen.  I call on You to be my witnesses, that if in here You will be present, then this lesser portion of wine I shall give to You.  And if I do anything to violate this rite, I pray that I shall suffer misfortune.” 

Holding out his hand to L. Cassius Cornutus, the camillus pours incense from an acerra. Leading with his right foot, his patera and a culullus in his left hand, Consul Modianus steps forward to the altar with his right hand held palm up.  Turning then his hand into a gesture of liberalitas, he next offers the incense:

“Gods of our spiritual forefathers and foremothers, I make this offering of incense to You and pray with good prayers that You will look kindly and favorably upon us and our children, on our houses and on our households.”

He pours next a libation of wine

“Gods of our spiritual forefathers and foremothers, may You be strengthened by this your libation, may You be honored by this small portion of wine.”

The hush of the crowd grows deafening with excitement as they see the sacrificatio is about to begin.  The celebrants huddled around the altars pay the crowd no mind, maintaining their solemn silence. Consul Modianus, before the altar of Jupiter, turns to face the East, lifts his hand high in manus supina to begin the first invocatio.

“O Jupiter Capitolinus, to You I pray, I entreat You, who the Roman people have named Optimus after Your kindness and Maximus after Your great power. O Jupiter, who does cherish and nurture the human race, through whom we live and draw the breath of life, in whom rest the hopes and lives of all humankind, come now to this place, bless it in happiness, illuminated in Your divine radiance, venerated and made holy by Your presence.”

He offers frankincense and cinnamon to Jupiter

“In You, dearest Father, in Your hands do we place our safekeeping. Jupiter, in offering to You this incense I pray good prayers that You may favor us, our children, our home and our households.”

Moving over to the altar of Juno, the others following, Consul Modianus intones the second invocatio.

 “O Juno Capitolina, Celestial Queen of Mighty Jupiter, whether You are worshipped and adored in the temples of Samos, or whether You are called upon singularly by women as Lucina in their tearful moment of giving birth, Your glory is nourished.  You dwell in ancient temples, whether at haughty Carthage where they celebrated Your journey from heaven on the back of a lion, or whether in Your temple beside the riverbanks of Argos where You are celebrated as the wife of thundering Jupiter Tonans and as Queen of the Gods.  Famous among the Greeks whose walls You defend, You who all the east venerates as Life-giving Zoegia, who all the west names Lucina, may You be present, Juno Sospita, Savior of women, who lends Her assistance to women who are pregnant when their health is in danger.”

To Juno he offers incense of saffron and orrisroot.

 “Wherever You may be in the ethereal regions, O wife of Jupiter Tonans, be present, O Queen of the Heavenly Gods, we Your sons and chaste daughters pray and bring forth this venerable gift. Savior Juno, in offering to You this incense I pray good prayers that You may favor us, our children, our homes and households.”

Moving once more, to the third altar, he then recites the invocatio of Minerva

“Come, be present in here, Great Goddess, Daughter of Jupiter, with joyful mind come, most wise Minerva, benevolent and kind.  Illuminate us with Your light of wisdom and friendship, open our hearts and minds, inspire us in all that we do.”

Bay laurel and rosemary he offers to Minerva as incense.

“Come now, golden haired Minerva, nod Your consent to this rite. Minerva Medica, in offering to You this incense I pray good prayers that You may favor us, our children, our households and our homes.”

Sacrificatio

In similar fashion, the consul and the other celebrants move from altar to altar.  To each in turn he offers flowered wreathes.  To each in turn are offered cakes drizzled with honey.  To Jupiter he offers wine; to Juno and Minerva are given milk.  Then with a gesture, Consul Modianus orders his Minister Sacrificii Titus Sabinus to begin the sacrifices.  Sabinus in turn gestures to Montanus and Gaius Marius.  Consul Modianus offers more incense to Jupiter Optimus Maximus and keeps his hand poised above the focus in the gesture of liberalitas as he prays.

O Jupiter, who does cherish and nurture the human race, through whom we live and draw the breath of life, in whom rest the hopes and lives of all humankind, as it is prescribed for You in our sacred texts, and for this reason may good fortune attend the Roman people, the Quirites – let sacrifice be made to You with this fine bull. Jupiter Optimus Maximus, to You we pray, we plead, we entreat that if there is any better fortune that may attend the Roman people, the Quirites, that You may increase the majesty of the Roman people, the Quirites, and that You may grant eternal safety, victory and health to the Roman people, the Quirites; and that You may protect the Roman people, the Quirites, and the legions of the Roman people, the Quirites; and that You may keep safe and make greater the State of the Roman people, the Quirites, and that You may be favorable and propitious to the Roman people, the Quirites, to the Collegium Pontificum and to all our sacerdotes, to ourselves, to our households, to our homes; and that You may accept this sacrifice of a white bull, offered in sacrifice, to be shared in festive meal between You and the Senate of the Roman people, the Quirites.  For these reasons be honored with the sacrifice of this bull, become favorable and propitious to the Roman people, the Quirites, to the Collegium Pontificum and to all our sacerdotes, to our legiones, to ourselves, to our homes, to our households.

Consul Modianus orders his Minister Sacrificii to bring forth the sacrificial bull of Jupiter.  The magnificent animal, endowed from birth with the numen of Jupiter, passes first before the Pontifices.  Cn. Salvius Astur and C. Minucius Hadrianus Felix inspect the animal’s unblemished head and examine his shoulders to ensure that he has never been yoked.  Q. Fabius Maximus, M. Antonius Gryllus Graecus, and C. Iulius Scaurus likewise inspect the animal’s flanks and rears.  Pontifex Maximus M. Cassius Iulianus then confirms the probatio that the bull is in the very best of health.  The fine bull proudly raises his head heavenward, then bows his head in assent.  The Minister Sacrificii gently cradles the bull’s head back.  Consul Modianus pours a libation of wine on the bull’s forehead, touches him with a bough of bay laurel.  He cuts a tuff of hair from between the bull’s horns, which he offers into the fire.  To this he cuts and adds a tuft of his own hair, joining himself in with the sacrifice.  With his sacrificial knife, he moves from tail to neck, lifting the hairs along the bull’s spine.  He sprinkles mola salsa along the animal’s back and moving once more, from head to tail with his blade he smoothes it hairs into place. With a final embrace of the bull’s head, he murmurs the prayer whispered by Prompter Caecilius Metellus, devoting him to Jupiter.  The Pontifices likewise murmur the prayer beneath their breath, the secret name unheard by the attending crowd.

Titus Sabinus asks, “Agone?”  The Consul affirms, and his Minister Sacrificii takes charge of the bull once more. Aedilis Sabinus orders C. Marius Maior and Oppius Montanus to proceed with the sacrifice.  They in turn lead the bull back to the place of sacrifice, the animal walking with calm dignity. He is massive, shining brilliantly, the very image of the Cretan seat of Io. Placidly and willingly he kneels, and raises his head to bellow his own prayer to the Gods that he is prepared to perform the necessary action assigned to him.  Detached, nodding his head, he signifies his acquiescence as the victimarius places the sacrificial blade over the bull’s jugular.  All turn towards the bull, his own disciplined performance an example to them all.  With a gesture of liberalitas they stretch their right hands to share in the sacrificial act.  The popa raises his hand to the Gods.  No sign do the Gods give of disapproval.  The mallet he next raises high above his shoulders, swinging it then to strike the bull’s forehead.  Stunned, he falls upon the knife, willed by the Gods to meet his destiny. L. Vitellius Triarius and T. Iulius Crassus quickly take turns catching up the flowing blood in large paterae, carrying them around the altar before Consul Modianus commends the blood to the altar flames.  Thus released in this the exta caesa the bull’s vital essence is carried upon the numen of Jupiter back into its source of being, completing his cycle of life from potentiality into perfection.   

The stiffened carcass is turned over onto its back and eviscerated by the victimarii.  A rush of spiritus pours forth.  Body fluids flow into a pit as offerings to the Manes.  Montanus and Marius feel without sensation, intuit the last passage of the bull’s anima, as she floats on wing to the Blessed Isles, there to frolic in the flowery fields of Venus..  A foreign haruspex, called from Etruria, C. Aelius Ericius performs the scrutatio.  He examines the muscular heart, opens the lungs, splays open the bull’s liver.  No abnormalities does he notice in the viscera. Aelius Ericius reports to Consul Modianus, as Augur Cincinnatus looks on, “Two lobes have this liver; the one firm and strong, while the other still throbs with hepatic rhythm. The Gods affirm the health of Nova Roma is preserved and shall be renewed in the months ahead.  Blood is seen upon the region of Tinia; He accepts this bull in sacrifice.”  Consul Modianus nods to Sabinus, who in turn instructs his assistants to proceed.  Portions are cut from the half-dead lungs and liver, and the still living heart.  These are placed on a platter, taken up by M. Moravius Piscinus Horatianus, serving as an Epulo for Jupiter Optimus Maximus. With his head veiled in toga praetexta, the Epulo approaches the altar of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. On either side, Mighty Jupiter’s altar is flanked by the spolia opima. Seen are the arms and armor of Acro, King of the Caenina, won by Romulus Himself. To the other side stands the spolia taken by Aulus Cornelius Cossus from the king of the Fidentes. Seated opposite from the priest, the cedar image of Jupiter, His face painted red with cinnabar, rests upon the cushioned pulvinar. M. Moravius Piscinus holds the platter as Consul Modianus serves the choice morsels to Jupiter. 

In similar fashion, two white cows are brought forward, inspected by the Pontifices, jugulated and eviscerated.  Haruspex Aelius Ericius examines each, each time confirming his earlier prognostications.  Flavius Galerius Aurelianus serves as Epulo for Juno. His sister Violentilla Galeria Salatrix serves Minerva.  Consul Modianus offers the sacrifices along with libations and honeyed cakes.  Sabinus oversees the victimarii, who prepare special dishes for Jupiter, Juno and Minerva.  Each time Aelius Ericius completes his examinations, the organs are placed in pots for boiling.  Ground and seasoned, the organs are made into special pottages and sausages for the Gods.  The flesh of the animals is slaughtered, portioned out, seasoned and roasted for the feast that is to follow.

Hammering the Nail

Meanwhile Consul Modianus proceeds with the special rite of commemorating the dedication of the Capitolium by performing the Hammering of the Nail into the lintel of Minerva’s sacullum. He salutes the Gods with his hand raised manus supina to the eastern sky, then places his right hand on a post:

“Listen Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Juno Regina, Minerva, and all You other Gods and Goddesses who dwell upon the Capitolium and the Arx.”

Promptor Caecilius Metellus recites the ancient formula of dedication.  This Consul Modianus flawlessly repeats, not for one moment removing his hand from the doorframe.  Praeco Q. Servilius addresses the attending crowd with his booming voice.

“Listen, now as I recite from the Ab Urbe Condita.

“There is an ancient law, recorded in archaic script and language, that at the Ides of September the chief magistrate shall hammer in the nail; the tablet was fixed on the right side of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, where stood the sanctuary of Minerva.  This nail, it was said, served to mark the number of years at a time when there was little knowledge of letters, and the law was assigned to the shrine of  Minerva because number was by Her invention.  The consul Marcus Horatius followed this law when he dedicated the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in the year following the expulsion of the kings from Rome.”

“Today we renew this custom of our spiritual forefathers, the Maiores of these lands, who have witnessed the founding of a new Republic, one modeled after the Res Publica Libera of Roma antiqua, and hereby join with others from the world over to inaugurate a new Pax Deorum for Nova Roma.

With the ceremony of the Hammering of the Nail complete, the Capitolium rededicated and the year renewed, the Consul and his attendants returned to the altars to offer sacrifice.  Three Epulones bring dishes specially prepared for the Gods. Other Epulones serve members of the Senate. Behind Jupiter’s left shoulder Marcus Iulius Severus whispers the names of all the Senators who sit themselves before His tables as guests. C. Ambrosianus Artorus Iustinus oversees Jupiter’s masseur who mimes in empty movements, while another perfumes His image.  On either side the veiled images of Juno and Minerva also sit upon richly cushioned couches. Juno dons the embroidered mantle presented to Her by the matrons of Rome, and grey-eyed Minerva, a veil from distant lands. The Goddesses are likewise attended by hand maidens from the Capitolium, standing at a distance, tending to Their hair and garments, holding mirrors of polished bronze.  Tibicines play their flutes, and choirs of children, youths, and maidens each in turn entertain the Gods at their tables.

Consul Modianus assisted by Cassius Cornutus and Moravius Brutus offers cinnamon as incense for Jupiter. For Juno rich saffron is offered, calling Her to Jupiter’s side, reminding Her of Their wedding bed.  For Minerva olive and rosemary are offered.  Next are brought platters, on each are three piles of grain over which the Consul murmurs more prayers. Three Epulones lay wreathes of bay upon the altars intoning the names of omnipotent Jupiter and the Goddesses.  Then each cast salted spelt upon the flames and offers libations. Offered to the flames by Consul Modianus for Jupiter is the offa penita, the tail of the white sacrificial bull, cut with a morsel of flesh, held above the flame by Epulo Moravius Piscinus as the blood drips forth. For Juno Flavius Aurelianus brings fendicoe, the oerumnaoe from the first stomach of Her sacrificial cow.  For Minerva Violentilla Salatrix brings plasea, the tail of a cow cut at its joints, dipped in its blood and coated with flour before roasting.  At the table before Juno, Aurelianus sets polimina, these stuffed and roasted proles taken from the sacrificial bull of Jupiter.  Next are served pottages and consecrated cakes - fitilla, frumen, africia, gratilla, catumeum, cumspolium, and cubula.  The intestines of the bull and cows have been first cleaned, boiled, and stuffed with spiced ground meats, then baked on glowing coals.  These prepared sausages - apexaones, hircioe, silicernia, and longavi – the Epulones next serve to the Gods.  Those made from minced beef liver for Jupiter; that made with goat’s blood for Juno. Glistening cubes of taeda, stacked high upon a plate are served as dainties to Minerva. Magmenta and augmenta of cheese and herbs are served with more wine.  For Juno Aurelianus has prepared moretum.  This special dish is made of soft goat’s cheese, seasoned with parsley, cilantro, and two cloves of garlic, along with two spoonfuls each of olive oil and vinegar.  Violentilla has prepared Minerva another dish made with the leaves of dogbur, plantain, and yarrow mixed with olive oil and goat’s cheese.  For Jupiter, Moravius Piscinus has made fertum.  One part course ground spelt flour has been mixed with two parts goat’s cheese to form a sticky paste. He formed the paste into balls; set them on top of bay leaves placed on a cooking stone strewn with corn meal, then covered the fertum with stoneware bowls before baking them with a slow fire.  Flattened as they baked, Moravius Piscinus cuts one into quarters, lifting each quarter into the flames of Jupiter’s altar, careful not to let them slip from his sacrificial blade.  The rest he sets on the table before Jupiter’s seat and drizzles them with honey.  The Epulones bring the Gods other bowls, of honey and oil, wine and milk, and water for washing.  Vegetables stewed in honey and pepper, fruit marinated in wine, and several other dishes they set before the Gods.  

Meanwhile other Epulones – Gaia Sempronia Graccha Volentia, Aulus Sempronius Regulus, Gaia Laelia Laeta, and Helena Galeria Aureliana, serve the Senatores seated at Jupiter’s tables.  The caro strebula that is taken from the haunches of bulls, and other pieces of meat taken from the flanks, have been dipped in milk, coated with flour, salt and pepper, before being roasted on skewers.  Served first among the Senatores is M. Minucius Audens.  Consulares Franciscus Apulius Caesar and C. Popillius Laenas, and C. Flavius Diocletianus, from the provinces, Sext. Apollonius Scipio, Arnamentia Moravia Aurelia, App. Tullius Cato, Gaia Livia, and Julilla Sempronia Magna among many others.  Senatores Cauis and Emilia Curii Saturnii are seated with their infant son Marcus. Flowers, fruits and grains, the rich harvests of our lands accompany these offerings of meat, offering back to the Gods the bounty that They have provided to us. Shared between the Gods and members of the Senate, recalled is the Golden Age when the Gods walked among humans and sat together to feast.

LITATIO

Consul Modianus gives prayer and other offerings to complete the day’s main sacrifices.

Pater noster, Saturni fili, qui in caelo, Iuppiter Optime Maxime, qui est princeps deum universitatis rerum, in tua, pater carissime, in tua sumus custodia. Iuppiter Capitoline, tu qui omnia iura hospiti, ut aiunt, donas, hunc laetum diem Romanis omnibus esse velis, nostrosque huius meminisse progenies. Adsit laetitiae Liber dator, et bona Iuno; et vos, O Di parentes, nobis celebrantibus coetum faveatis.

“Our Father, who is in Heaven, Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Son of Saturnus, who is first among the Gods of the whole universe, in You, dearest Father, in Your hands we place ourselves.  Jupiter Capitolinus, giver of the laws of hospitality, as it is said, may you wish this day to be pleasing and prosperous for all Romans alike, and that our children’s children shall remember this day.  Let Liber, giver of gladness, and good Juno, and you as well, O Gods of our forefathers, join with us in friendship at our celebration.”

Ave Dea Magna aeterna, gloriosa, castissima Iuno, Mater, cuius sanctitas cordi Diis est, tu candidum lilium quod Juppiter ante omnes coluit. Tu es Magna tuque deorum regina es, dea. Te, Dea, adoramus tuumque nos numen invocamus, facilisque praestes hoc nos quod te rogamus; referemusque grates, Dea Iuno, tibi merita fide. Iuno, uti tibi in illis libris scriptum est quarumque rerum ergo quodque melius sit populo Romano Quiritibus tibi bove femina pulchra sacrum fiat te quaeso precorque te his donis obmovendis bonas preces precor uti sis volens propitia nobis, domo familaeque nostrae. Macte his donis.

“Hail, Great Goddess eternal, shining, most chaste Juno, Mother, whose sanctity is pleasing to the hearts of the Gods, You are the brilliant lily whom Jupiter cherished before all others. You are the Great Goddess, Queen of the Gods.  You, Goddess, we adore.  We invoke Your presence among us. Come.  Make what we ask to be readily and easily accomplished, and draw our thanks, Goddess Juno, that, in fidelity, You do rightly merit.  Juno, as it is prescribed for you in those books – and for this reason may every good fortune attend the Roman people, the Quirites – let sacrifice be made to you with a fine cow.  I beg and pray.  In making this offering to you, I pray with good prayers, that You look favorably on us and our household and our homes; may this offering strengthen and honor You.”

Dea magna, virtutum praesul, ex Iove nata, anima laeta veni, sapientissima Minerva, benevolens benignaque. Eluce sapientiá amicitiáque, aperi corda mentesque nostra, inspira nos in omnibus quae facimus. Minerva, uti tibi in illis libris scriptum est quarumque rerum ergo quodque melius siet populo Romano Quiritibus tibi bove femina pulchra sacrum fiat te quaeso precorque te his donis obmovendis bonas preces precor uti sis volens propitia nobis, domo familaeque nostrae. Macte his donis.

“Great Goddess, virtuous dancer, sprung from mighty Jupiter, with joyful mind come, all wise Minerva, benevolent and kind.  Shine this day Your light of wisdom and love, open our hearts and minds, inspire us in all that we do. Minerva, as it is prescribed for you in those books – and for this reason may every good fortune attend the Roman people, the Quirites – let sacrifice be made to you with a fine cow.  I beg and pray.   In making this offering to you, I pray with good prayers, that You look favorably on us and our household and guide us in Your crafts; may this offering honor You.”

On this special day, with Their images seated upon pulvinares before the Capitolium, the crowds are allowed to approach the Gods.  The people surge forward up the steps, bearing gifts of thanksgiving.  There are brides and brides-to-be, mothers-to-be and mothers with their newborn children approaching Juno. Fathers and paternal uncles present pubescent boys.  Mothers and maternal aunts as well approach Juno to present some favorite niece.  Old men approach Jupiter, thanking Him for a long and prosperous life,  while other petition for a few more years.  “Spare me, Jove,” says one man, “It is no great thing to ask the Gods. Grant me a great length of life, O Jupiter give to me many years.”  Women in togae, newly won last June, approach Juno, calling upon Caprotina to give their thanks.  C. Silvanius Agrippa brings forth produce from his orchards and vineyard to set upon the tables of the Capitoline Triad.  Other men in toga sordida stand petitioning Jupiter, presenting one legal suit or another, asking that He help defend them before a tribunal. “Listen, O Jupiter, to this wickedness.  Listen, too, Justice and Rectitude!” Meanwhile Marcus Servius Germanicus prays :

“Jupiter Stator, sacred ruler on Tarpeian Heights, who stood beside Romulus, let other men petition You and request Your divine favor.  But be not wroth with me if nothing I desire, and nothing for my own bounty do I ask. All my prayers to the heavens are made for the good health of family and friends, for all I truly need is to share in their company. Hail, Child of the Mighty, Father of the Gods, whose divine power I have heard from afar.  In one moment my pool is blessed with happiness, at another it is venerated, made holy by Your divine presence, ever since I was granted to know that You are never far from me, and ever since I was enabled to watch Your immortal radiance from near my home.”

M. Calidius Gracchus brings gifts from his emerald isle, small tokens for each of the Capitoline Triad:

Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Juno Regina, Minerva, and all you other gods and goddesses who dwell upon the Capitolium and the Arx, glorious Son and Daughter of Ops, deities supreme, powerful and mighty bestowers of wealth, good hopes and bounty, gladly I give thanks to You and duly offer praise for the many generous benefits You have bestowed on me.

Dark-haired Prima Ritulia Nocta and red-haired Marca Hortensia Maior approach Juno. P. Memmius Albucius gives thanks to Minerva. Claudius Salix Davianus and L. Salix Cicero renew their familial ties before Jupiter.  There is also M. Marcius Rex and C. Marcius Coriolanus.  The throngs approach throughout the day. Centurions display their phalerae and torques. Others recall to the Gods as well the vexilla, hastae purae, and other dona they had won in the past.  Some celebrate their comrades in arms assigned in distant lands, while others commemorate their fallen comrades before the Gods. Oppius Gellius Marcellus, M. Darius Firmitus, C. Marius Aquilius, and C. Scipiadus Scipio Gamba are seen among them. Former civil servants, too, like C. Moravius Laureatus Armoricus, recall their little triumphs, giving thanks to the Gods, and commend their fellow apparitores. While Aelius Solaris Marullinus and others have come to represent their professions.  All give thanks to the Gods.

Approaching Minerva, Alexandra Popillia sees an elderly lady climbing slowly up the steps.  She lends her arm and both proceed further.  Marca Sempronia Iustina places a bouquet of flowers in silent thanks among the many gifts along the table. A beam of warm light from above is seen to illuminate the pair. Minerva turns Her radiant face smiling and nods Her head towards Iustina.  

The festival lasts throughout the day.  Plays and mimes are performed to entertain the Gods during the feast. Billowing clouds of white are lined in golden rays as the sun begins to pass behind distant purple mountains beneath high wisps of pink in a darkening blue sky, while the first stars begin to shine through in the south.  Pleasing to the Gods, as for any parents, has been the laughter of Their children, the merriment of joined company.  Consul Modianus offers wine and incense once more, as above, but in reverse order, to the Gods Immortal, to Jupiter, and lastly to Vesta, thanking each in turn for attending today’s feast. He turns and steps from the altar, and with the gesture of liberalitas says:

“No more, Gods on High, do I ask of You today; it is enough.”

With the Consul’s nod, Aedilis Sabinus then sets Montanus and Marius to work.  The images of the Gods are lifted upon Their couches and returned within the Capitolium.  The Aedilis has the ritual implements cleansed, stored once more in their wooden boxes and returned within the temple.  Offerings that had been placed on the tables before the Gods are set upon the embers of the altar fires, their flames building once more, sending their remains into the heavens above.  The tables are scrubbed with vervain, refreshened with mint, and these, too, are returned within the temple. All is restored as the last light of day ends.

Perlitatio

The Consul, his Minister Sacrificii, the Pontifices and all the celebrants stand once more before the altars. In silent observance they await the signs that the Gods accepted today’s offerings. After a moment, Consul Modianus says:

“Thus it is done. May all the Gods above and below always love you and wish you happiness in all that is good.”

Vadete in pace Deorum

“Go now in the peace of the Gods.”

Those observing the rite respond:

Di immortales faciant, tam felix quam pia.

“May the immortal Gods make it so, as fortunate as it is pious.”