fetial
/ˈfiːʃəl/
adjective
- Relating to a fetial or the fetiales; concerning declarations of war and treaties in ancient Rome.
- The fetial priests performed the ritual before declaring war.
- The historian studied the fetial ceremonies that preceded Roman treaties.
- Ancient Roman fetial law required a formal declaration before any conflict.
noun
- A member of the ancient Roman college of priests who oversaw treaties and declarations of war.
- A fetial would throw a spear into enemy territory as a symbolic declaration.
- The Roman Senate consulted the fetials before signing the peace treaty.
- The fetial was responsible for ensuring the gods approved of Rome's wars.