Flamen (redirected from flamines)

flamen (flā`mĕn), in Roman religion, one of 15 priests, each concerned with the cult of a particular deity. The most honored were those dedicated to Jupiter, Mars, and Quirinus.

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flamen

One of 15 priests in ancient Rome, each of whom was devoted to the service of a specific god. The most important were those who served Jupiter, Mars, and Quirinus. Chosen from the patrician class and supervised by the pontifex maximus (chief priest), they offered daily sacrifices and led strictly regulated lives. Their wives assisted them and were also bound by ritual regulations. In imperial times a group of flamines were devoted to the worship of deified emperors.

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Flamen 

in ancient Rome, a priest devoted to the service of a particular deity of the Roman pantheon. The flamines comprised three elder priests (majores), elected from among the patricians and serving Jupiter, Mars, and Quirinus, and 12 younger priests (minores), elected from among the plebeians and serving 12 gods, including Vulcan, Pomona, and Flora. They held their posts for life and enjoyed special rights and privileges. During the imperial epoch, the number of flamines increased, and priests were assigned to the cult of deified emperors.