Flamines Deorum

This order was founded by King Numa Pompilius to ensure that the City had, in its first fateful years, the favor of the gods. Hence, he established a college of fifteen priests called the flamines (sing. flamen), flaminica in the feminine. Three of them are called "greater" because they serve the three most important gods of the Roman traditon: Jupiter, Mars, and Quirinus. They protect the City, and for this reason they can't leave it, except in exceptional situations. The other twelve flamines and flaminicae, called "lesser," serve gods of ancient tradition, many of whom have been venerated since before the birth of Rome. All flamines wear special clothes that make them immediately recognizable:

• Laena This is a heavy wool cloak, adorned with fringes, which the men wear over the toga and the women wear over the stola.
• Apex This is a pointed cap, onto which are attached a small olive branch and a wool thread.
• Laurel crown

Every flamen or flaminica is nominated by the College of Pontiffs.

Greater Flamines

Flamen Dialis
Flamen Quirinalis 
Flamen Martialis 

Lesser Flamines