Note 225 — Chapter I · THE EARLIEST CONSTITUTION OF ROME (continued 2)

Cic. de Leg. ii. 9, 21 “Foederum, pacis, belli, indutiarum ratorum fetiales judices nuntii sunto; bella disceptanto.” The word fetialis is probably connected with fateri (and Oscan fatium). Thus the “Fetiales” are speakers (oratores), cf. Festus p. 182. Dionysius (ii. 72) ascribes the creation of the Fetiales to Numa; Livy (i. 32) speaks as if they were due to Ancus Martius, but in another passage (i. 24) implies their earlier existence. Cicero attributes them to Tullus Hostilius (Cic. de Rep. ii. 17, 31). The ceremonies of the college are described in Dionys. ii. 72 and Liv. i. 32.