Terminus

Question 1

What is Terminus the God of?

Answer 1

Boundaries

Question 2

What source tells us about terminus?

Answer 2

Ovid Fasti Terminus God of Boundaries

Question 3

What is terminus represented by

Answer 3

Stone/post set up in the ground

Question 4

What is the ritual of terminus

Answer 4

Dig a trench
Light a fire
Sacrifice a victim (animal)
Pour blood unto the trench
Throw incense/honey/wine/fruits
Cast into the fire the body of the victim
Wait until it is entirely consumed
Anoint and crown the stone with garlands
Place the stone upon the hot ashes

Question 5

What happens if you remove the sacred stone after the ritual?

Answer 5

You might be slain with impurity

Question 6

When is the terminalia

Answer 6

23rd of February

Question 7

What is the terminalia

Answer 7

Festival of the boundary stones (not the actual god)

Question 8

What is the ritual of the terminalia

Answer 8

Two landowners in different sides bring you the 2 garlands/2 cakes
They build an altar
The rustic farmers’ wife brings fire in a broken pot
The old man chops up some wood and builds it up
Then he coaxes the first flames with dry bark
The bit stands holding a broad basket
The small daughter holds up the cut honeycombs
Others are holding jars of wine
The onlookers dress in white, watch the spectacle and keep silent
They share a Terminus sprinkled with the blood of a lamb
The simple neighbours congregate and celebrate

Question 9

Is terminus important only for private citizens

Answer 9

Yes because it is also important for the private property of Rome

Question 10

What would happen without terminus

Answer 10

There would be fights with no boundaries