Page "Pontifex Maximus" Paragraph 13

According to Livy in his " History of Rome ", an ancient instruction written in archaic letters commands: " Let him who is the Praetor Maximus fasten a nail on the Ides of September.

" This notice was fastened up on the right side of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, next to the chapel of Minerva.

This nail is said to have marked the number of the year.

It was in accordance with this direction that the consul Horatius dedicated the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in the year following the expulsion of the kings ; from the Consuls the ceremony of fastening the nails passed to the Dictators, because they possessed greater authority.

As the custom had been subsequently dropped, it was felt to be of sufficient importance to require the appointment of a Dictator.

L. Manlius was accordingly nominated but his appointment was due to political rather than religious reasons.

He was eager to command in the war with the Hernici.

He caused a very angry feeling among the men liable to serve by the inconsiderate way in which he conducted the enrolment.

At last, in consequence of the unanimous resistance offered by the tribunes of the plebs, he gave way, either voluntarily or through compulsion, and laid down his Dictatorship.

Since then, this rite has been performed by the Rex Sacrorum.