Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2016
Abstract
This paper uses a minor issue in the Roman festival of the Lupercalia as a case study in Roman myth and ritual. It is a technical discussion of the names of the Luperci priests, which show some variation, usually ignored by scholars.
Careful attention to epigraphical evidence shows that the Luperci were divided into two groups, derived from the names of ancient gentes: Fabii and one of either Quintii or Quintilii. Theoretical distinction between myth and ritual helps to sort out the confusing evidence, with a claim that Fabii or Quintilii were only applied to the Luperci of mythical aetia, not the historical reality of the ritual.
This conclusion implies that Caesar's Luperci should be called Iuliani, not Iulii.